Hyderabad, Telangana: Tensions gripped parts of Hyderabad on Friday as the statewide Backward Classes (BC) Bandh, called by the Backward Classes Joint Action Committee (BC JAC), turned volatile with sporadic incidents of violence reported across the city.
The bandh, spearheaded by BC JAC Chairman R. Krishnaiah, was organised to protest the Telangana High Court’s stay on 42% reservations for BCs in local body elections — a decision that has triggered widespread anger among BC communities across the state.
In central Hyderabad areas like Abids and Begum Bazaar, chaos unfolded as gold and Marwadi-owned shops that remained open for Dhanteras business were forcibly shut down by protesting activists.
Eyewitnesses reported that a few shop windows were vandalised when demonstrators insisted that all establishments observe the bandh. Police were seen dispersing protesters to restore order.
Petrol Pump, Showroom Attacked in Nallakunta
In Nallakunta, tension escalated when agitators attacked a petrol pump and pelted stones at a Bajaj showroom and Raghavendra Tiffin Center, forcing business owners to down shutters.
Swift police intervention prevented the situation from worsening, though local traders expressed concern over the damage and disruption.
Traffic Blockades and Protests in L.B. Nagar
In L.B. Nagar, members of the BC Reservation Sadhana Samithi and other organisations staged road blockades, shouting slogans and demanding the immediate restoration of BC reservations.
Traffic came to a standstill at several key junctions before police cleared the routes.
While the BC JAC leadership urged for a peaceful demonstration, isolated incidents of vandalism were reported in different areas of the city.
Law enforcement agencies have since stepped up patrols and are monitoring sensitive zones to prevent further escalation.
Background: Anger Over Court Stay
The bandh follows the Telangana High Court’s interim stay on the state government’s decision to grant 42% reservation for Backward Classes in local bodies — a move that many in the BC community view as a setback to their political representation.
Despite appeals for calm, the protests have underscored the deep frustration and political mobilisation among Backward Class groups, setting the stage for a wider confrontation between community leaders and the state’s political establishment.