Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The Jharkhand Kushwaha Mahasabha staged a massive dharna at Lok Bhavan on Wednesday, renewing the long-pending demand for 27 percent reservation for OBCs in the state. Led by chief patron Bhuneshwar Prasad Mehta, the protest saw participation from thousands across backward communities, with leaders asserting that the movement represents all OBC groups, not just the Kushwaha community.
Leaders Accuse State of OBC Neglect
Addressing the gathering, Mehta said OBCs have faced systematic neglect since Jharkhand’s formation. He noted that the earlier 27 percent reservation was reduced to 14 percent, calling it a grave injustice to backward classes.
He announced a mega OBC rally at Morabadi Ground soon, declaring that the voice raised from Ranchi would echo all the way to Delhi.
Mehta further criticised the state for failing to prioritize backward communities despite decades of demands for fair reservation policies.
Additional Demands: Land, Rehabilitation, and Employment Rights
The Mahasabha outlined several other demands, including:
• Full implementation of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 in Jharkhand
• Cancellation of land bank entries covering 21 lakh hectares, much of which is occupied by poor and tribal households
• A separate policy and independent commission for rehabilitation, compensation, and employment for displaced families
• Industry status for agriculture
• Job reservations in third and fourth grade posts for landowners whose land was acquired for industrial projects
Former MLA Loknath Mahato, Jaiprakash Verma, organisational secretary Bateshwar Prasad Mehta, Lilavati Mehta, Munia Devi, Dr. R.C. Mehta, Satyadev Prasad Verma, and many others were also present during the dharna.
