Sat Apr 12 12:20:49 UTC 2025: ## BSP Leader Calls for 52% Reservation for Backward Castes in Andhra Pradesh

**Visakhapatnam, April 12, 2025** – Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state coordinator and former Director General of Police B. Poornachadra Rao has urged the Andhra Pradesh government to implement 52% reservation for backward castes (BCs) in local body elections. Rao made the statement on Friday, the birth anniversary of social reformer Jyotirao Phule, arguing that this would be a true tribute to Phule’s legacy.

Rao cited a caste census conducted in January and February 2024, whose results were recently released by the NDA government. The census revealed that BCs constitute 51.69% of the state’s population. He criticized the ruling TDP, alleging that despite claiming pro-BC support, the party hasn’t acted to empower the community. He demanded that the census data be used to ensure BCs receive 52% reservation not only in local body elections but also in government educational institutions and employment. Rao further pointed out the disproportionate representation of certain other castes in the Legislative Assembly compared to their population size, highlighting the need for equitable representation for BCs.

Read More