BJP promises OBC quota without caste census in Odisha

Turning down calls for a caste census by the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) as outlined in their election manifesto for 2024.

Representatives from the BJP's OBC Morcha, led by President Surath Biswal, had intensive discussions with the parliamentary committee on OBC welfare, which Ganesh Singh, a Member of Parliament, chaired. Biswal reported that Singh assured the state of full support in resolving issues faced by OBCs without any caste census.

Addressing media personnel, Surath Biswal remarked that despite more than 30 years since the recommendations of the Mandal Commission, OBCs continue to be deprived of their full constitutional rights.

Biswal took the opportunity to highlight the shortcomings of the BJD government's 24-year administration in Odisha. He accused Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's government of failing to provide reservation benefits to OBCs in local electoral processes, including panchayat and urban local body elections.

He also criticised the BJD for failing to take adequate measures for the welfare of OBCs during its 24-year tenure in power. 

Additionally, Biswal criticised the execution of the Biswakarma scheme, alleging inefficiencies as BJD-aligned local leaders, or sarpanchs, did not implement the initiative effectively in Odisha. These issues were thoroughly discussed with the parliamentary committee.