Gujjar Quota Agitation: Protesters Block Mumbai Rail Route In Rajasthan; 12 Trains Running Through Kota Diverted

The ongoing Gujjar dharna led by Kirori Singh Bainsla demanding reservation for five communities including Gujjars has led to the diversion of at least seven trains in Kota Division of Western Central Railway, one train cancelled, three trains short-originated and one train short-terminated, as reported by Indian Express.

“This is going to be a fight to the finish, though it will be completely peaceful”, said Bainsla. Despite this claim , there were reports of the railway tracks destroyed by the agitators. Railway Protection Force and Rajasthan Armed Constabulary were deployed in different locations.

The protesters demand 5 per cent reservation in government jobs and education. Previous attempts to implement such reservation through legislation failed as they were struck down by Rajasthan High Court.

Ashok Gehlot said the state government had already done for Gujjars whatever was in its power. “Any decision for creating the Special Backward Class category for Gujjars and four other communities is now in the Centre’s jurisdiction,” he said.

Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla started the dharna on 8 February (Friday) backed by his supporters who demanded separate reservation to Raika-Rebari, Gujjars, Gadia Luhar, Gadaria and Banjara for government jobs and admission in educational institutions.

Last month, Bainsla gave a 20-day ‘ultimatum’ to the state government to clear its stand on the reservation to the communities in educational institutions and government jobs, failing which he threatened of reviving the quota agitation.

As the deadline lapsed, Bainsla held a ‘Maha Panchayat’ at Malarna Dungar in Sawai Madhopur district and started the sit-in along with his supporters, blocking trains.

“We have good CM and a good PM. We want that they listen to the demands of the Gujjar community. It isn’t an uphill task for them to provide reservation,” said members of Gujjar community sitting on the railway track.