Hyderabad: A Telangana-wide bandh called by Backwards Class (BC) associations demanding 42 percent reservations in the upcoming local body elections is underway across the state.
The shutdown, which began at 4 am, has disrupted TGSRTC bus services as protesters blocked depots in several districts. Essential services like medical shops and ambulances remain exempt.
Ruling Congress, opposition BRS, BJP, Telangana Jagruthi and other parties have extended full support to the bandh. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Mahesh Kumar Goud urged party leaders, ministers, and legislators to participate.
BRS leaders, including former minister Srinivas Goud, joined demonstrations at various depots, criticizing both Congress and BJP for failing to legislate on BC reservation while protesting on the streets.
In Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, major RTC depots like MGBS, Rathifile, and Amberpet witnessed protests, with buses confined to depots. Educational institutions and business establishments declared a holiday.
Telangana Jagruti, led by MLC K Kavitha, organised a human chain at Khairatabad demanding the implementation of the 42 percent BC quota and cooperation from the Centre.
Transport halt across districts
The bandh has paralysed transport across districts, including Mahabubnagar, Karimnagar, Siddipet, Khammam, Kothagudem, Sangareddy, Medak, Nalgonda, and Adilabad. Bus services have largely stopped, schools remained closed, and streets wore a deserted look.
Protesters held sit-ins and rallies urging the government to ensure legal backing for enhanced BC reservations. Leaders declared that the agitation would continue until justice was achieved for the backward classes.
