OBC Mahasabha takes to streets in Bhopal demanding 27% reservation

OBC Mahasabha takes to streets in Bhopal demanding 27% reservation

National secretary of the organization, Dinesh Kumar said that the OBC population in state is 51% and the state government is creating obstacles in implementation of 27% reservation for the OBCs.

Staff ReporterUpdated: Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 11:10 PM IST
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Members of Other Backward Castes (OBC) Mahasabha staging protest in Bhopal on Wednesday | FP

Bhopal: OBC Mahasabha takes to streets seeking 27% reservation

BHOPAL: Members of Other Backward Castes (OBC) Mahasabha took to streets here on Wednesday morning seeking 27 per cent reservation. Police stopped the protesters and detained them as they marched towards the CM House to ghero it. Hundreds of members of the Mahasangh from across the state had reached Bhopal despite heavy rains in different parts of the state.

The members had assembled at Ambedkar Park in Tulsi Nagar from where they tried to march to CM House but were stopped by the police. Police had heavily barricaded the roads in wake of the protest. Police had to use mild force after the OBC Mahasabha decided to march ahead. Several members were arrested as well.  

National secretary of the organisation, Dinesh Kumar said that the OBC population in the state is 51% and the state government is creating obstacles in implementation of 27% reservation for the OBCs.

“Government is playing against the sentiments of the OBCs. This could be judged by the fact that provision of only 6% OBC reservation has been made in recruitment in the National Health Mission. Moreover, the government has also reduced the scholarship for the OBCs,” said convener Lokendra Gujar.

Police stops the Members of Other Backward Castes (OBC) Mahasabha from marching to CM House in Bhopal on Wednesday.

Police stops the Members of Other Backward Castes (OBC) Mahasabha from marching to CM House in Bhopal on Wednesday. | FP photo

Police detaining the protesters in Bhopal on Wednesday.

Police detaining the protesters in Bhopal on Wednesday. | FP

Members of Other Backward Castes (OBC) Mahasabha staging protest in Bhopal on Wednesday

Members of Other Backward Castes (OBC) Mahasabha staging protest in Bhopal on Wednesday | FP photo

OBC politics takes centre stage: BJP and Congress both bat for 27% reservation

With local body elections ahead, the OBC politics has taken the centre stage. The state government had to produce a caste census in the High Court after which it was revealed that the state has 51% OBC population. Despite this fact, the OBC are getting only 14% reservation and the amendment made for 27% quota has been stuck in the court.

Urban administration department minister, Bhupendra Singh said that BJP only will provide 27% reservation to the OBCs. ‘There is no need for a movement demanding a 27% quota as the Shivraj-led BJP government is determined to provide 27% quota to the OBCs,’ said Singh.

Standing committee has been constituted in the state assembly to study the issue and prepare a report on it, said the minister, adding that on the basis of its report the state government will present the facts more strongly in the High Court.

On the other hand, Congress state chief and former CM Kamal Nath said that the Congress government had raised the OBC reservation from 14 to 27% but the Shivraj government, due to lack of determination, did not present its facts properly before the court. ‘Congress supports OBC reservation of 27% and will continue to till it’s achieved. We also condemn police action against silent protests,’ tweeted Kamal Nath.

Members of Other Backward Castes (OBC) Mahasabha staging protest in Bhopal on Wednesday

Members of Other Backward Castes (OBC) Mahasabha staging protest in Bhopal on Wednesday | FP Photo

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