BCY chief Ramachandra Yadav launches indefinite hunger strike in Andhra Pradesh's Mangalagiri

MANGALAGIRI: Bodde Ramachandra Yadav, president of the Bharath Chaitanya Yuvajana (BCY) Party, on Saturday began an indefinite hunger strike in Mangalagiri, stating that he is prepared to “lay down my life” to secure the rights of Backward Classes (BCs).The fast, titled BC Dharma Deeksha, started at Pule Mandal Bhavan, with participation from party leaders, BC associations, and supporters from across the region. The protest aims to put pressure on the government to address what he described as decades of injustice faced by BC communities.Addressing the gathering, Ramachandra Yadav said the agitation was not an individual effort but a broader social movement. “This is not my individual fight. It is the struggle of the oppressed and weaker sections who have been cheated for generations. I am ready to lay down my life for the rights of BCs,” he said.He said the hunger strike would continue indefinitely until the government meets the key demands raised by the community. Emphasising peaceful protest, he added, “This is a fight for our rights. No one should resort to anger or violence. Our unity is our strength, and only through unity can we achieve justice.”The BCY chief outlined five major demands, including the immediate enactment of a BC Protection Act to provide constitutional safeguards for BC rights and benefits. He also called for the allocation of at least 1,000 acres of land in the capital region to promote the social and economic development of BCs.He further demanded adequate budgetary support for BC corporations, stating that many welfare institutions remain ineffective due to a lack of funds. A comprehensive and scientific caste census was also among the key demands, which he said is essential to ensure fair and population-based reservation policies.Ramachandra Yadav also sought the implementation of 44% reservation for BCs in education, employment, and legislative bodies, arguing that proportional representation is necessary to correct historical imbalances.He appealed to BC organisations, intellectuals, youth, and civil society groups to support the movement. “Every BC son and daughter should join this struggle for self-respect and future generations,” he said.The indefinite fast is likely to draw wider political attention in the coming days, with pressure expected to mount on the government to respond to the demands raised by the BCY leadership.