Clarify SC, ST reservations in local bodies: Sailajanath 

Anantapur, Oct 11: Former Minister Sake Sailajanath demanded that the Chandrababu Naidu government clarify reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the upcoming local-body elections and ensure 16.66% reservations for SCs and 7.5% for STs.

Addressing the media at the YSRCP district office in Anantapur, Sailajanath demanded public disclosure of reservation allocations for mayors, Zilla Parishad chairpersons, municipal chairpersons, councillors and corporators. Constitutional rights must be protected through implementation, not merely promises of social justice.

The government must also fulfil its commitment to provide 34% BC reservations through a legally sustainable framework. Despite claiming the advantages of a double-engine government, Naidu has failed to pursue a permanent constitutional solution, including legislation and amendments on the lines of Tamil Nadu.

The government cannot manipulate reservations under the pretext of caste enumeration, surveys or commission reports. All empirical data, reservation calculations and commission recommendations must be made public. SCs, STs and BCs must receive their rightful representation based on constitutional provisions and population.

The State Election Commission must ensure transparent and impartial elections. Electoral rolls require scrutiny to address deceased voters, migrants and duplicate entries. Authorities must investigate political interference and protect public confidence in the electoral process.

Sailajanath demanded immediate clarity on all reservation allocations and warned against any reduction in the constitutionally mandated rights of disadvantaged communities. YSRCP will continue its fight until SCs, STs and BCs receive fair representation and their lawful entitlements are protected.