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The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which has always banked on the backward class (BC) vote heavily ever since its formation by NTR, is for the first time facing the prospect of an erosion in its traditional vote-bank and is doing everything possible to keep it intact.
A massive rally was organised by the party in Rajahmundry, christened ‘Jai Ho BC’, to reaffirm its commitment to the welfare of BCs. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced fresh sops estimated to cost the exchequer ₹3,000 crore more, as well as the establishment of separate corporations for the welfare of many castes within the BC category. He also promised a separate BC sub-plan within the State Budget.
The BCs in the State, comprising 100 or more castes, constitute roughly 50-52 per cent of the population, and in the 2014 elections, they voted decisively for the TDP. The Kapus, estimated at 23 per cent, is the other major caste whose vote is also crucial. In 2014, they too, voted for the TDP in large numbers, as the party promised to include them in the BC category and provide reservation.
The efforts of the TDP to keep up its promise to the Kapus have to some extent angered the BCs, but not alienated them. After a massive rally by senior Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham for reservations at Tuni in the East Godavari district, the State appointed the Manjunatha Commission, and made a provision for 5 per cent quota. The Bill was passed in the State Assembly and sent to the Centre for approval.
50 per cent ceiling
As the reservation would exceed the ceiling of 50 per cent set the by the Supreme Court, the State government followed procedure, assuring the BCs that their existing quotas will not be disturbed. Some sections of the BCs were not convinced, with associations warning the TDP that their support could not be taken for granted.
The 10 per cent quota for the economically weaker classes (EWC) announced by the Centre has come as a breather to the beleaguered TDP. The State has announced that out of the 10 per cent, it will allocate 5 per cent to the Kapus.
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