Allegations and counter-allegations flew thick and fast in the Barmer Lok Sabha constituency in Rajasthan as it went to the polls. The constituency recorded the highest voter turnout among the 13 seats that went to the polls in the state, with a turnout of 69.79%. The contest in Barmer is between Union Minister Kailash Chaudhary of the BJP, Congress candidate Umedaram Beniwal, and Independent candidate Ravindra Bhati, who is also the MLA from Sheo Assembly constituency. Bhati made serious allegations against the administration, claiming that his polling agent was thrown out of the booth and that a label was put ahead of his name on the EVM to prevent votes for him. He also alleged that vehicles of migrants who came to vote for him were stopped. However, the Rajasthan police denied these allegations, stating that they have received no such complaint. Bhati questioned the silence of the administration, election commission, and the police, accusing the government of trying to reduce polling. Congress candidate Beniwal expressed concern over reports of manhandling and goondaism in the Sheo Vidhan Sabha constituency, which is known for peace and brotherhood. Baytu MLA Harish Chaudhary alleged that a Congress agent was manhandled and accused a Rajasthan government official of flouting democratic norms. He also claimed that Dalit women were mistreated in the presence of the IG and demanded an investigation by the Election Commission. The allegations and the high voter turnout have added intensity to the electoral contest in Barmer. [5c1f8674]
Rajasthan's Social Justice Minister Avinash Gehlot has declared that a review of the OBC reservation list, encompassing 14 Muslim castes, will occur after June 4. Additionally, the decision to provide reservation to specific individuals from 1997 to 2013 will be reassessed. Following the annulment of the OBC reservation in West Bengal, Rajasthan’s reservation list is now under threat. Rajasthan’s Social Justice Minister Avinash Gehlot has hinted at reassessing the OBC reservation. The Rajasthan government is targeting 14 Muslim castes, considering their removal from the OBC reservation list. Rajasthan’s Social Justice Minister Avinash Gehlot has announced that the reconsideration of the OBC reservation list, including 14 Muslim castes, will take place after June 4. The decision to grant reservation to certain individuals between 1997 and 2013 will also undergo review. Bhajan Lal Sharma, Rajasthan Chief Minister, defended the decision of the Calcutta High Court. On May 22, 2024, the Calcutta High Court nullified the OBC reservation acquired after 2010. The High Court deemed reservation certificates obtained between 2011 and 2014 unlawful and mandated the issuance of a new reservation list. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rejected the High Court’s ruling. The annulment of the reservation could significantly influence the Lok Sabha elections. [39ca207c]
A year after the submission of the report by the Justice Rohini commission on the sub-categorization of OBC, the Central government has not taken any action on it. The report, which has not been published, recommends dividing OBCs into sub-groups with separate reservation percentages to address the disparity in the distribution of quota benefits. The BJP government may be hesitant to implement the report as it could upset influential OBC communities, especially after the party's loss in Uttar Pradesh in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, stated that the government will discuss the report in a Cabinet meeting before tabling it in Parliament. The delay in implementing the report is attributed to the Bihar government's caste survey data and the alliance with the JD(U) in the NDA. [c34dd9c4]
During her speech on the Supreme Court's observation about the creamy layer in SC-ST, BSP Chief Mayawati demanded clarification from all parties. She called on the remaining parties to clarify their position, stating that assurances alone would not suffice. Mayawati urged the BJP government and other parties to promptly convene a session of Parliament and clarify their stance. [5009b407]