Heavy rain fails to deter as protesters demand justice and social equity
Bhopal: The OBC Mahasabha staged a massive protest on Monday in the city, demanding the implementation of 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and services. Despite heavy rainfall, hundreds of determined protesters gathered at Jawahar Chowk and marched toward the Chief Minister’s residence, raising slogans and demanding justice.
Their advance was halted by police barricades near Rangmahal Talkies, where they submitted a memorandum to officials present. Tensions escalated briefly as scuffles broke out between protesters and police, but the demonstration remained largely peaceful.
= Singar joined the protest
Congress leader Umang Singar joined the protest in solidarity and accused the government of ignoring the rights of backward classes. He assured the Mahasabha of Congress’ full support in their struggle.
Mahasabha leaders emphasized that though OBCs constitute over half of the state’s population, they are not represented proportionately in government jobs, administration, or the private sector. They recalled the promise of 27% reservation made in the 1990s, which remains unfulfilled in Madhya Pradesh.
Dharmendra Kushwaha criticized the current 13% reservation cap, calling it unconstitutional and harmful to OBC youth, many of whom have become overage. He warned of intensified agitation if the reservation hold is not lifted soon.
Spokesperson Vishwajit Rataniya accused the government of harboring an anti-constitutional mentality, while State President Rakesh Lodhi questioned why the government could easily grant 10% EWS reservation to 7% of the upper caste but continues to delay OBC reservation.
= Major demands
Immediate withdrawal of the 13% cap on OBC reservation in government jobs and full implementation of 27%.
Enforcement of reservation in promotions within government services.
Conducting a caste census, publication of population data, and proportional reservation based on that data.
