Overview

• The Cabinet approved an ordinance to amend the Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, and implement 42% reservation for Backward Classes in upcoming local body elections.
• Officials met with the Advocate General to vet legal safeguards as they aim to finalise BC quotas and hold polls by July 25 under a High Court order.
• The enhanced quota is grounded in the state’s caste survey and awaits a report from the Justice Sudarshan Reddy–led Independent Committee on its detailed review.
• At 42%, the reservation exceeds the Supreme Court’s 50% cap, prompting proposals to seek Ninth Schedule protection and prepare for expected legal challenges.
• The move fulfils a key Congress promise by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi to boost BC representation, even as opposition parties and BC groups question the ordinance route.