On January 7, 2026, leaders of Backward Classes (BC) organisations in Telangana demanded an increase in BC reservations before the elections to Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs). Dundra Kumaraswamy, National BC Dal president and chairman of the BC Reservations Achievement Coordination Joint Action Committee (JAC), said holding elections without updating BC reservations was "unjust and exclusionary." He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led governments of failing to give proportional political representation to Backward Classes despite their claims of supporting social justice. Mr. Kumaraswamy added, "Conducting MPTC and ZPTC elections without implementing increased reservations for BCs would undermine the principles of inclusive governance." He urged the State government to make a clear and timely policy decision on this issue. The BC leaders also demanded postponing the local body elections until the enhanced BC reservations are officially notified and put into effect.