Arvind Kejriwal Demands Inclusion of Delhi’s Jat Community in Central OBC List, BJP Questions Timing
In a significant political move ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has demanded the inclusion of delhi’s Jat community in the Center’s Other Backward classes (OBC) list. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Kejriwal accused the central government of “misleading” the Jat community for over a decade and failing to deliver on its promises.
“In 2015, the BJP invited Jat leaders to the prime minister’s residence and assured them that Delhi’s Jat community would be included in the Central OBC list. union Home Minister Amit Shah promised the same in 2019. However, nothing has been done to fulfil these promises,” Kejriwal stated, as quoted by PTI.
The AAP chief highlighted the disparity in reservation benefits for Jat students from Delhi compared to those from Rajasthan. “Thousands of children from the Jat community in Delhi are unable to secure admission in Delhi University (DU) because they are not part of the Central OBC list,” he said.Kejriwal also pointed out that while Delhi’s Jats are recognized under the OBC category at the state level, the Central government has refused to extend these benefits to them.
“This is nothing but betrayal.The Centre must include Delhi’s Jat community in the OBC list to ensure they receive reservations in Central government institutions, including for jobs and college admissions,” Kejriwal added. He emphasized that central agencies like the MCD, DDA, and PWD operate extensively in Delhi, and including Jats in the OBC list would open up significant opportunities for them.
BJP Questions Kejriwal’s Intentions
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly hit back at Kejriwal’s demands,questioning the timing of his appeal. BJP leader Kailash Gahlot remarked, “I want to ask Arvind Kejriwal, why he is suddenly worried about Jats? He did not care about them in the last 10 years… Now when he is about to lose the election against a Jat, he is remembering them.”
The Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, 2025, with vote counting on February 8, have intensified the political rhetoric. Kejriwal’s push for OBC status for Delhi’s Jats is seen as a strategic move to consolidate support among the community,which holds significant electoral influence in the region.
Key Points at a Glance
| aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Demand | Inclusion of Delhi’s Jat community in the Central OBC list |
| Kejriwal’s Accusation | Centre “misled” Jats for a decade, failed to deliver on promises |
| BJP’s Response | Questions timing, accuses Kejriwal of political opportunism |
| Election Context | Delhi Assembly polls scheduled for February 5, 2025 |
Kejriwal’s demand has reignited the debate over reservation policies and their implementation, particularly in the context of Central versus state lists. As the election campaign heats up, the issue is highly likely to remain a focal point of political discourse.
For more updates on the Delhi Assembly elections and related developments, stay tuned.
This article is based on data from hindustan Times.
Interview: Arvind Kejriwal’s demand for Jat Inclusion in Central OBC List and BJP’s Response
In a significant political move ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal has demanded the inclusion of Delhi’s Jat community in the Central Other Backward Classes (OBC) list. This demand has sparked a heated debate, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioning the timing of Kejriwal’s appeal. to delve deeper into this issue, we spoke with Dr. Rajesh Mehta, a political analyst and expert on reservation policies, to understand the implications of this demand and its potential impact on the upcoming elections.
The Demand for Jat Inclusion in the Central OBC List
Senior Editor: Dr. Mehta, Arvind Kejriwal has been vocal about including Delhi’s Jat community in the Central OBC list.Can you explain why this demand is significant, especially in the context of Delhi?
Dr. Rajesh Mehta: Absolutely. The demand is significant because the Jat community in delhi, while recognized as OBC at the state level, does not receive the same benefits at the Central level.This disparity affects their access to reservations in Central government institutions, including jobs and educational opportunities. Kejriwal’s push highlights the need for uniformity in reservation policies, especially in a city like Delhi, where Central agencies play a major role in governance and employment.
Kejriwal’s Accusations Against the Central Government
Senior Editor: Kejriwal has accused the Central government of misleading the Jat community for over a decade. What are your thoughts on this accusation?
Dr. Rajesh Mehta: Kejriwal’s accusations stem from unfulfilled promises made by the BJP-led Central government. In 2015, Jat leaders were assured by the Prime Minister’s Office that the community would be included in the Central OBC list. Similar assurances were given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2019. However, no concrete action has been taken. this has led to frustration among the Jat community, and Kejriwal is capitalizing on this sentiment to position AAP as their advocate.
BJP’s Response and Questions of Political Opportunism
Senior Editor: The BJP has questioned the timing of Kejriwal’s demand, calling it politically motivated. Do you think this is a valid criticism?
Dr. Rajesh Mehta: The BJP’s criticism is not entirely unfounded. With the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025,Kejriwal’s demand appears to be a strategic move to consolidate Jat votes. The Jat community holds significant electoral influence in Delhi, and this demand could help AAP gain their support.However, it’s also significant to note that the issue of Jat inclusion in the OBC list has been pending for years, and Kejriwal is bringing it to the forefront at a politically opportune moment.
Impact on the Delhi Assembly Elections
Senior Editor: How do you see this issue influencing the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections?
Dr. Rajesh Mehta: This issue is likely to play a crucial role in the elections. The Jat community’s support could be a game-changer in key constituencies. if AAP successfully positions itself as the champion of their cause, it could sway a significant portion of the Jat vote in their favor. On the other hand, the BJP will likely counter this by highlighting AAP’s alleged opportunism and emphasizing their own efforts for the community. The battle for Jat votes will undoubtedly be a focal point of the election campaign.
Broader Implications for Reservation Policies
Senior Editor: Beyond the elections,what are the broader implications of this demand for reservation policies in India?
Dr.Rajesh Mehta: This demand reignites the debate over the implementation of reservation policies, notably the discrepancies between Central and state lists. It raises questions about the criteria for inclusion in the OBC list and the need for a more streamlined and transparent process. Additionally, it highlights the challenges of balancing social justice with political considerations. The outcome of this issue could set a precedent for how similar demands from other communities are addressed in the future.
