Is Congress Right to Call BJP 'Anti-OBC' Amid Madhya Pradesh Quota Controversy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress is mobilizing for a nationwide movement to support OBC reservations.
- Allegations against BJP include systematic denial of OBC rights.
- Senior Congress leaders assert BJP has failed to implement Supreme Court rulings.
- OBC youth are waiting for job appointments for over six years.
- Political tensions are escalating in Madhya Pradesh over reservation issues.
New Delhi, June 28 (NationPress) The Congress party has vehemently criticized the BJP and RSS regarding the OBC reservation issue in Madhya Pradesh during a press conference at Indira Bhawan, the newly established AICC headquarters in Delhi.
Prominent Congress figures such as Bhupesh Baghel, Harish Chaudhary, Jeetu Patwari, and Anil Jaihind accused the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh administration of systematically obstructing Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from receiving their entitled 27 percent reservation in government employment and services.
During the briefing, Jeetu Patwari stated that although Prime Minister Narendra Modi claims an OBC background, the BJP-RSS administration has proven to be the “most anti-OBC government in the history of independent India.”
Highlighting the ongoing legal and political struggle regarding OBC reservations in Madhya Pradesh, Patwari alleged that despite Supreme Court decisions endorsing the 27 percent quota, the BJP has stalled its implementation by making court excuses and misleading the public.
Harish Chaudhary emphasized the Congress party's initiatives since 1994 to enhance OBC reservation from 14 percent to 27 percent. He pointed out that while the Kamal Nath-led Congress government enacted the 27 percent quota in 2019, it was reversed when the BJP regained control of the state.
“Even after the SC dismissed petitions against the quota on January 28 and reaffirmed its position on June 25, the BJP has failed to take action,” he remarked.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed his disappointment that even OBC leaders like Uma Bharti, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and current CM Mohan Yadav have not implemented the reservation despite Supreme Court mandates.
He also highlighted delays in Chhattisgarh, where a bill for 27 percent reservation passed in 2022 is still awaiting the Governor's approval.
Anil Jaihind from the Congress OBC Department accused the RSS of historically opposing the Constitution, claiming it aims to undermine “socialist” and “secular” principles.
“The RSS advocates for inequality by birth, whereas the Congress champions equality,” he stated.
The Congress party has declared its intention to initiate a nationwide movement to demand justice for OBC youth, many of whom have been waiting over six years for appointments despite passing exams. “We will not rest until OBCs receive their rightful entitlements,” promised Patwari.