BHOPAL: The state government has sent the ordinance of 27% reservation to other backward classes (OBCs) to the Governor Anandiben Patel. The state government intends to get 27% reservation to OBCs implemented before code of conduct for Lok Sabha elections coming into effect.
The ordinance has been sent to the Governor by general administration department (GAD) after taking legal opinion from law department. The government fears that if code of conduct becomes effective then it would not be able to implement the ordinance. Presently, there is 14% reservation for OBCs in the state.
If the ordinance gets implemented then Madhya Pradesh would be the first state having 27% reservation for the OBCs. As far as population composition is concerned, the OBCs constitute 42% of the total population in the state. The decision of Chief Minister Kamal Nath to give 27% to OBCs before Lok Sabha elections is said to be a master-stroke. Former Chief Minister Babulal Gaur has also praised the decision of Nath. Gaur said the increase in percentage of OBC reservation was a long pending demand, which was fulfilled by Nath.
Gaur said Nath deserves appreciation. The move of Nath has come as a surprise to the BJP. BJP is unable to oppose the increase in reservation to the OBCs as it had got more OBC votes than Congress party in the assembly polls. The decision of Nath may benefit him in the Lok Sabha election.
