Political Unrest Intensifies in Rajasthan's Tribal Belt Ahead of Local Elections
The political landscape in Rajasthan's Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) region has become increasingly volatile as the March-April panchayat and urban local body elections approach. A significant development has emerged with OBC (Other Backward Classes) and MBC (Most Backward Classes) organizations issuing a public call to boycott the upcoming polls. This dramatic move stems from their longstanding demand for reservation benefits within tribal-dominated areas, a plea that has consistently been overlooked by successive governments.
Widespread Discontent and Boycott Posters Surface
Posters advocating for the election boycott have appeared prominently across key districts including Udaipur, Dungarpur, and Banswara. These visual protests signal a deep-seated frustration among backward communities who feel politically marginalized. The core grievance revolves around the current TSP reservation framework, which allocates 45% for Scheduled Tribes (STs), 5% for Scheduled Castes (SCs), and leaves 50% as an open category. This structure, according to the protesting groups, entirely excludes OBCs and MBCs despite their substantial demographic presence in these regions.
Voices from the Ground: Leaders Highlight Systemic Exclusion
Nathulal Patidar, coordinator of the OBC Adhikar Manch, provided compelling statistics to underscore the disparity. He revealed that OBCs constitute between 22% to 28% of the population in TSP districts. However, their representation in government employment and educational institutions remains dismally below 10%. "While OBCs and MBCs receive 21% and 5% reservation respectively at the state level, these benefits vanish within TSP areas," Patidar explained. He clarified their demand: "We are seeking 10.5% reservation for OBCs and 2.5% for MBCs from the existing open category quota, without disturbing the allocations for STs or SCs."
Patidar also directed criticism towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recalling that Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav had assured OBC reservation in TSP regions during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign. "No concrete initiative followed after the polls," he lamented, adding pointedly, "Promises were made primarily to secure votes, not to formulate genuine policy."
Grassroots Resistance and Political Marginalization
The resentment is manifesting as direct political action on the ground. Poonam Labana, vice-president of the All India Labana Samaj, shared a poignant example from Mada village in Dungarpur district. Here, the MBC Labana community forms almost the entire population, yet they remain excluded from local power structures as key administrative posts are reserved for STs. "The reservation changes implemented in 2006 effectively uprooted us politically," Labana stated. "Since then, we have been relegated to the open category, where competing with more dominant groups is nearly an impossible task." He confirmed personally posting a boycott call poster at the Dungarpur collectorate office.
Echoing this sentiment, Mahendra Desai Rebari, president of the Rebari Samaj in TSP areas, emphasized that the boycott appeal transcends traditional party loyalties. "This protest is directed against all major political entities—be it the Bharatiya Adivasi Party (BAP), the BJP, or the Indian National Congress. They all actively seek our votes during elections but consistently ignore our demands for fair representation," he asserted. Rebari issued a stern warning: "No political candidate will be permitted to enter our villages without providing a clear and unequivocal assurance regarding our reservation rights." He further highlighted the inconsistency where MBC communities receive reservation benefits in districts like Chittorgarh but are denied the same in TSP regions.
Implications for Upcoming Elections and Regional Dynamics
The boycott call has injected fresh uncertainty into the electoral process for the impending March-April local body polls in southern Rajasthan. OBC organizations argue that placing their communities in the open category effectively denies them equitable representation in elected bodies, public sector jobs, and educational opportunities. The geographical scope of this issue is significant. Districts such as Dungarpur, Banswara, and Pratapgarh are entirely reserved for STs. Meanwhile, other regions including Rajsamand, Udaipur, Pali, Sirohi, and portions of Chittorgarh also have substantial segments reserved for STs, further complicating the political calculus for all parties involved.
This organized resistance underscores a critical and escalating demand for inclusive policy within Rajasthan's tribal heartland, setting the stage for a potentially contentious election season where community representation is the central issue.
