Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC and Telangana Jagruthi president K. Kavitha launched a 72-hour hunger strike at Indira Park on Monday, demanding that the Congress-led Telangana government delink a proposed 10% reservation for Muslims from the 42% quota planned for Backward Classes (BCs). Kavitha urged the state to introduce a separate bill for Muslim reservations, arguing it would force the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to clarify its stance on the BC quota without opposition to Muslim inclusion.

“The Congress must openly declare a separate 10% Muslim quota, distinct from the 42% BC reservation,” Kavitha stated, highlighting BJP’s resistance to including Muslims in the BC quota. She criticized the Congress for limiting her protest to a 10 am–4 pm window, far short of the 72 hours requested, and vowed to seek High Court permission to continue.

The Telangana Legislative Assembly passed bills in March to increase BC reservations to 42% in education, employment, and local bodies, now awaiting Presidential assent. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy plans a dharna at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on August 6, followed by a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu on August 7 to push for approval.

Also Read: K-Drama Star’s Tragic End After DUI Scandal

State Backward Classes Minister Ponnam Prabhakar responded, suggesting Kavitha shift her protest to Delhi, as the decision lies with the central government. He called for unity, akin to the Telangana statehood movement, to secure the BC quota.

Kavitha’s protest, organized under Telangana Jagruthi, comes amid her recent criticisms of BRS leadership, signaling her independent push for social justice. The issue underscores the complex interplay of caste and religious quotas in Telangana’s political landscape.

Also Read: Dharmasthala's Mystery: SIT Digs Deeper