Bandh is going on in Telangana against the High Court’s stay order on backward caste reservation.

A statewide bandh began in Telangana on Saturday in protest against the High Court’s stay order on 42% reservation for BCs in local body elections, with all political parties including the ruling Congress supporting the agitation.

All sectors except emergency and essential services were requested to cooperate in the bandh.

The Telangana High Court on October 9 issued an interim stay against the government order providing 42% BC reservation in local body elections.

Leaders of various political parties and BC organizations are protesting in front of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation bus depot and stopping vehicles from coming out.

BJP Lok Sabha member Etala Rajender participated in the bandh at Jubilee Bus Station here.

A senior TGRTC official said some disruption in services was observed at bus stations and depots during the morning hours.

The ruling Congress in Telangana on Friday extended its support to the bandh call given by the Telangana Backward Classes Joint Action Committee.

BJP and BRS have also extended their support to the bandh call.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said in a statement, “I appeal to everyone – the general public and all communities – to participate in the BC Bandh on October 18, which is being organized across the state against the BJP.”

BC JAC president and BJP Rajya Sabha member R Krishnaiah had earlier sought support from all political parties and civil society organizations for the bandh.

Telangana Director General of Police B Shivadhar Reddy, in a statement on Friday, appealed to all organizations to observe the bandh peacefully without causing any inconvenience to the public.

He warned that if anyone resorts to obscene or illegal activities in the name of bandh, strict action will be taken.