| Reservation row set to escalate, Bahujan Samaj announces Assembly Gherao on March 24 | | Budget Session 2025 | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 17: The simmering controversy over Jammu and Kashmir’s existing reservation rules is poised to intensify as members of reserved categories, under the banner of Bahujan Samaj, have announced plans to gherao the Legislative Assembly on March 24.
The protest is aimed at countering Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) who have been vocally demanding changes to the current quota system, raising fears among reserved communities that their rights could be undermined.
On Monday, Bahujan Samaj leaders expressed alarm over what they perceive as a concerted effort by the Omar Abdullah-led government to alter the reservation framework under pressure from MLAs, particularly those from the Kashmir Valley.
The group has singled out National Conference (NC) MLA Bashir Ahmed Veeri, accusing him of spearheading an "unconstitutional move" by introducing a private bill in the J&K Assembly.
The proposed legislation seeks to slash reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) from 8% to 4%, Scheduled Tribes (STs) from 10% to 7%, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from 8% to 5%, instead of increasing the OBC quota to 27% as demanded by the community.
Addressing a press conference, Bahujan Samaj leaders vowed to "fight tooth and nail" against what they described as the "ill designs" of Veeri and other MLAs, including Sajjad Gani Lone, who they claim support this rollback. "We will not allow the rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs to be trampled upon," a senior leader declared, emphasizing that the organization is "strong enough" to resist such moves. They warned that any attempt to curtail reservations would face fierce opposition, both on the streets and through legal channels.
The announcement of the gherao comes amid growing tensions over the reservation policy, which has been a contentious issue since amendments earlier this year increased quotas for certain communities while reducing the share for the general category.
Critics of the current system argue that it disproportionately favors reserved categories, leaving limited opportunities for open merit candidates. However, reserved category groups contend that any reduction in quotas would undo decades of affirmative action aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
The Omar Abdullah government now finds itself in a precarious position, caught between demands for rationalizing the reservation system and preserving the existing framework. Political observers suggest that pressure from Kashmir Valley MLAs, combined with public protests from both sides, could force the administration to reconsider its stance. The three-member panel recently constituted to review the policy has yet to announce a timeline for its findings, adding to the uncertainty.
As March 24 approaches, all eyes will be on the Assembly, where the Bahujan Samaj’s planned protest could mark a turning point in the ongoing reservation debate in Jammu and Kashmir. With both sides digging in, the region braces for a showdown that could have far-reaching implications for its social and political landscape. |
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