Is LoP Tejashwi Demanding an 85% Reservation Bill from Bihar CM?
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Synopsis
In a bold political move, Tejashwi Yadav is challenging Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to convene the Assembly for an 85% reservation Bill. This demand stems from a recent court ruling and aims to protect opportunities for marginalized communities.
Key Takeaways
- Tejashwi Yadav urges an 85% reservation Bill.
- Calls for an all-party committee on caste representation.
- Highlights the impact of the recent Patna High Court ruling.
- Stresses the need for legal protection in the Ninth Schedule.
- Calls for immediate action to protect job opportunities.
Patna, June 5 (NationPress) In a politically significant action, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has addressed a letter to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, urging the convening of a special session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly to enact a new reservation Bill that guarantees an 85% quota in government employment and educational institutions.
LoP Tejashwi Yadav called on Chief Minister Kumar to establish an all-party committee aimed at evaluating the representation of backward and marginalized communities.
He proposed that based on the committee's findings, the Assembly should approve a Bill that increases the overall reservation to 85% and recommends to the Central Government for its inclusion in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to ensure protection from judicial review.
This demand follows the recent decision by the Patna High Court to nullify the 75% reservation law that was established during the Mahagathbandhan administration.
The court highlighted that the law lacked adequate empirical evidence to validate an increase in reservation beyond the 50% limit set by the Supreme Court.
Tejashwi Yadav pointed out that during his tenure in the earlier Mahagathbandhan government, a caste-based survey was conducted in 2023, which provided the basis for the 75% reservation scheme — comprising 65% for SCs, STs, OBCs, and EBCs, along with 10% for EWS.
He referenced Tamil Nadu, where a 69% reservation has been upheld for many years after being incorporated into the Ninth Schedule, and urged CM Kumar to pursue a similar path for legal safeguarding.
In the letter, Tejashwi challenged the intentions of the NDA government, asserting that if CM Kumar does not take prompt action, it will be interpreted as a calculated effort to stall and undermine the reservation initiative.
“Failure to act will indicate a deliberate postponement and deviation from this matter,” LoP Tejashwi stated.
He contended that under the Mahagathbandhan, numerous government jobs were created, and reversing the increased reservation is resulting in lost opportunities for Dalits, Adivasis, and backward castes.
Tejashwi called for the formation of an all-party committee to investigate caste-wise representation in employment and education, the organization of a special one-day Assembly session to approve a new Bill increasing reservation to 85%, and the immediate implementation of the new reservation framework to protect ongoing recruitment and job opportunities.
The responsibility now lies with CM Kumar, as the Opposition intensifies pressure for swift and decisive action on this sensitive and electorally crucial issue.
Point of View
Tejashwi Yadav's call for an 85% reservation Bill reflects the ongoing struggle for equitable representation among marginalized communities in Bihar. The political ramifications are significant, especially in light of the recent court ruling that challenges the status quo. The urgency for CM Nitish Kumar to respond decisively cannot be overstated as this issue resonates deeply with voters across the state.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main demand of Tejashwi Yadav?
Tejashwi Yadav is demanding a special session of the Bihar Legislative Assembly to pass a new reservation Bill that ensures an 85% quota in government jobs and educational institutions.
Why was the previous reservation law struck down?
The Patna High Court struck down the previous 75% reservation law due to a lack of empirical data justifying the increase beyond the Supreme Court's 50% cap.
What is the significance of the Ninth Schedule?
Inclusion in the Ninth Schedule protects laws from judicial review, providing greater security for the reservation framework.
What was the outcome of the caste-based survey conducted in 2023?
The caste-based survey laid the groundwork for the previous 75% reservation framework, with allocations for various communities.
How does this issue impact the upcoming elections?
The demand for an 85% reservation is electorally critical, as it addresses the concerns of Dalits, Adivasis, and backward castes, which could influence voter sentiment.
