BJD stages protest in Bhubaneswar demanding 27% reservation for OBC in higher education, BJP responds

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday orchestrated a demonstration outside the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, fervently advocating a 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in educational institutions. Criticising the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for failing to address the demands of backward communities, the Naveen Patnaik-led party staged the protest. 

Calls for Increased Representation

The BJD called for implementing the proposed OBC quota within medical and engineering colleges. The government had previously declared an 11.25% reservation for OBCs in the education sector. The BJD warned of a mass protest and remained resolute in its quest for a 27% quota, pledging continued advocacy until its objective is achieved.

Congress Support

“We welcome the protest by our BJD brothers. They were in power for 24 years, and they should implement it with just a signature and a pen. But they did not do it when they were in power. Now that they have come out in protest, it shows that they have admitted their mistake and are apologetic. So, we support their stance,” informed Bhakta Das, OPCC Chief. 

Government Response

In response to the protest, Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, commented on the BJD’s advocacy for OBC reservations and accused the party of historically opposing Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs). He recalled instances from BJD’s regime in 2008 and 2014, where the SEBC Act was repealed.

“They are the ones who have oppressed the SEBC people historically. They are the ones that repealed that SEBC Act,” alleged Suraj.