BCY chief begins hunger strike for BC demands in Mangalagiri

Vijayawada: BCY Party president Bode Ramachandra Yadav on Friday began an indefinite hunger strike in Mangalagiri, demanding implementation of assurances to Backwards Classes (BCs) under the banner of "BC Dharma Deeksha".The demands include implementation of the BC Protection Act, allocation of 1,000 acres of land to BCs in the Amaravati capital region, financial support for BC caste-based corporations, a comprehensive caste census and 44% reservation for BCs in education, employment, local bodies and legislative institutions.Addressing party workers at the protest site, Yadav said BCs were neglected for decades and called for a sustained movement to secure their rights. Greeting supporters on the occasion of Jyotirao Phule Jayanti, Yadav said the demands were legitimate and not politically motivated. "We are not asking for positions or illegal benefits, but only justice," he said.He demanded immediate allocation of land to BCs in Amaravati on par with other sections and warned that the agitation would intensify if the demands were ignored. He appealed to YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to support the demands.