34% reservation for BCs in local polls is our legitimate right, says Cheepurpalli MLA Kalavenkata Rao - The HinduPublished - October 04, 2026 07:36 pm IST - VIZIANAGARAM:Srinivasa Rao K 9774TDP Cheepurpalli MLA Kalavenkata Rao speaking to the media on Sunday. | Photo Credit: HANDOUTTDP Cheepurpalli MLA Kimidi Kalavenkata Rao on Sunday said that 34% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local body elections was their legitimate right as BCs population is more than 50% in Andhra Pradesh.Addressing a media conference in Cheepurpalli in Vizianagaram district, he alleged that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) was creating hurdles by approaching the courts to oppose A.P. government‘s move to empower more BCs in ensuing elections.He said that BCs had been benefitting from reservations since 1987 onwards under the policies of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which had enabled many leaders from humble backgrounds to become ministers.Mr. Venkata Rao said people would teach a lesson to YSRCP for adopting anti-BC policy.Published - October 04, 2026 07:36 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }