In a big relief to the ruling Congress government in Telangana headed by chief minister A Revanth Reddy, the state high court on Wednesday refused to grant a stay on the issuance of notification on Thursday for the first phase of local body elections in the state.
By refusing to stall the poll process commencing on Thursday, the high court virtually gave a green signal to the Revanth government to go ahead with 42% reservations to backward classes.
According to sources, once the election process starts, it would be difficult for the high court to stop it. Though the high court will continue the hearing the arguments on the petitions for and against the 42% reservations for the BCs, but the process of elections will be completed as per the schedule.
So, results will be declared by November 11 for the ZPTC, MPTC and gram panchayats. The State Election Commission that holds these polls declares results with 42 per cent reservations for BCs, they all will be elected public representatives.
Analysts say even if the high court gives its verdict against increased BC quota, it might not affect the elected representatives, as they will go to the Supreme Court where the case will take its own time.
“The notification for the first phase of elections to the MPTCs and ZPTCs will be issued at 10.30 am on Thursday as per the schedule announced by the state election commission. Instructions have been issued to the district Congress committees to ensure that candidates file their nominations soon after the issuance of the notification,” Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president B Mahesh Kumar Goud told reporters.
He expressed confidence that the high court judgement on the BC quota would be in favour of the government.
“We have conducted the enumeration of BCs through a comprehensive caste survey. We have also got the legislations passed in the state assembly providing 42% quota to the OBCs in education, employment and local bodies. The Congress party is committed to providing justice to the BCs,” the PCC chief said.