Rajasthan's Reservation Debate Intensifies with OBC-MBC Demands in Tribal Areas
The political landscape in Rajasthan has been stirred by renewed demands for extending reservation benefits to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Most Backward Classes (MBCs) within the state's Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) areas. This movement has gained significant momentum following the launch of a comprehensive statewide campaign by the Gurjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti on Friday, creating visible discomfort within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
BJP Functionary Leads Campaign Against Own Party
In a development that highlights internal party tensions, the campaign is being spearheaded by Vijay Bainsla, who serves as both the president of the Gurjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti and a key functionary within the BJP organizational structure. Bainsla has announced an extensive tour scheduled from January 25 to 29, aimed at mobilizing OBC and MBC communities across Rajasthan to pressure the state government for policy revisions.
The Samiti is specifically demanding a restructuring of the existing reservation framework in TSP regions, where benefits are currently allocated as 45% for Scheduled Tribes (STs), 5% for Scheduled Castes (SCs), and the remaining 50% designated as open category. Bainsla argues that OBCs and MBCs, who collectively represent approximately 25% to 30% of the population in these tribal areas, find themselves "grossly underrepresented" within the open category allocation.
Historical Context and Current Momentum
This demand is not entirely new, as the OBC Adhikar Manch (OAM) has been advocating for reservation rights in Tribal Sub-Plan areas for the past fifteen years. However, their efforts have often encountered indifference from other OBC organizations and functionaries representing non-TSP regions. The current campaign represents a more assertive approach that has generated optimism among activists.
"With a more assertive approach to the issue for the first time, we are hopeful of finally achieving the goal of reservation," stated Naresh Patel, OAM coordinator in Banswara district, reflecting the renewed energy behind the movement.
The Tribal Sub-Plan areas encompass the complete districts of Banswara, Dungarpur, and Pratapgarh, along with portions of Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Sirohi, and Pali districts. Bainsla has emphasized the perceived injustice of the current system, noting that "when OBCs and MBCs enjoy reservation in the rest of the state, denying them reserved status in TSP areas is unjust and unacceptable." He has issued a clear warning that the community will accept nothing less than a formal quota arrangement.
Internal BJP Differences Surface Publicly
The campaign has brought internal divisions within the BJP into sharp focus, particularly following cautious remarks from Udaipur Member of Parliament Mannalal Rawat. Rawat has emphasized that any potential revision of reservation policies in Scheduled Areas must strictly adhere to Union government regulations and constitutional provisions.
"I believe a detailed dialogue before launching such a campaign could have reduced confusion," Rawat commented, adding that since Bainsla holds a position within the BJP, prior consultation with state and local party leadership, along with elected representatives, would have been appropriate protocol.
Rawat clarified his position by stating that while legitimate social concerns deserve attention, any decision regarding reservation must follow established constitutional norms and central guidelines. This public divergence of opinion between party members has sparked considerable debate within BJP circles and highlighted the complex balancing act the party faces in addressing caste-based demands while maintaining legal and constitutional compliance.
The situation presents a significant challenge for the Bhajan Lal Sharma government, which must navigate between addressing legitimate community aspirations and adhering to legal frameworks governing reservation policies in tribal regions.
