Telangana Bandh on October 18: Holiday Declared for Schools, Colleges and Offices

Telangana will observe a state-wide bandh on Friday, October 18, following a call by various Backward Class (BC) associations demanding 42% reservations for BC communities in the state. The bandh is expected to bring major parts of daily life to a standstill, with schools, colleges, and many offices remaining closed.

The agitation, led by the BC Joint Action Committee (BC JAC) under the leadership of MP R. Krishnaiah, has gained momentum after receiving support from major political parties, including the Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (CPI), and several other organisations.

The bandh is expected to have a widespread impact across Telangana:

• Schools and Colleges: All government and private educational institutions are expected to remain closed.
• Public Transport: RTC bus services and other modes of transport may operate partially or be suspended in several areas.
• Shops and Offices: Many business establishments, markets, and private offices are likely to stay closed voluntarily.
• Government Departments: Most offices may see low attendance, except for essential services.

The Federation of Associations of Telangana Higher Institutions (FATHI) had already announced a week long protest beginning October 13 over pending scholarship dues, further contributing to the closure of educational institutions.