11 out of 18 MLC tickets given to BCs
Vaddera, Vaddi, Erukala to enter the council for the first time
Allocating eleven ‘assured’ MLC posts out of eighteen to backward classes by leaving other communities is definitely a ‘sincere step’ by YSRCP in the backward classes’ empowerment in Andhra Pradesh. The eleven BC candidates need not spend a single rupee towards their win and don’t have to do hard work to woo the voters. There will be nine MLC posts in local bodies’ constituencies, seven in MLAs quota and two in Governor’s quota posts. YSRCP declared the names of candidates to all the posts. Out of eleven BC candidates, there will be one each vaddera and vaddi (BC- sub-caste of fishermen) and, Erukala (ST). These communities never had representation in legislative council even in united Andhra Pradesh. There were MLAs from these castes, but not MLCs. The elections to the eighteen MLC posts will be completed in the next three months.
D. Gopi, a senior journalist said, “Definitely, the figure is a boon to the empowerment of backward classes and the representation of BCs in legislative council will be touching 68 percent after completion of the election. Jagan Mohan Reddy allocated all five seats – three graduate MLC constituencies and two teachers’ constituencies- to forward classes. There is no ‘assured win’ for these candidates in the elections. They should spend time and money to win. Jagan did not give tickets to BCs in such constituencies. It is a point to be noted.”
How far the BC MLCs pass on the message among BC communities is a million dollar question. The elected BC MLCs should take the responsibility for it. Such a massive percentage for BCs in AP Legislative Council is being considered a shrewd move by Jagan ahead of assembly elections. Whether it is a clever step or not, will be proved only in next assembly elections.
