Rajasthan's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) Minister, Jhabar Singh Kharra, made a significant statement on Tuesday during his one-day visit to Laxmangarh in the Sikar district. Addressing the pressing issue of Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation, he unequivocally declared that conducting urban local body and panchayat elections in Rajasthan would be impossible without first ensuring OBC reservation. This statement comes at a crucial time when political circles in the state are. Abuzz with discussions and heated debates regarding the potential delay in these crucial elections.
Statement at Sardar Patel Jayanti Unity March
Minister Kharra's impactful statement was delivered at the Ramleela Maidan in Laxmangarh, an event organized to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He participated in the 'Ekta Padayatra' (Unity March) held on this auspicious occasion, lending significant weight to the event. The minister flagged off the march, which commenced from Ramleela Maidan, traversed through the main thoroughfares of the city, and concluded at Shri Bhagwandas Todi College. During his address to the gathering, Minister Kharra paid tribute to Sardar Patel's immense contributions to nation-building. However, the central theme of his speech revolved around the 'confusion' allegedly being spread by the Congress party regarding OBC reservation and the ongoing preparations for the upcoming elections.
Clarification on Election Process: 'Elections to be Held Simultaneously'
Minister Kharra firmly dismissed the confusion being propagated by opposition parties, clearly outlining the state government's definitive stance, while he elucidated the genuine reasons behind the delay in urban local body and panchayat elections, emphasizing that these delays are rooted in necessary procedural steps. He stated that the state government had already issued election-related. Notifications in September, marking a proactive step towards the electoral process. However, two primary tasks remain pending before the elections can proceed. Firstly, the State Backward Class Commission needs to complete the crucial task of collecting population data for the backward classes, a process that's mandatory to ensure proper OBC reservation. Secondly, the State Election Department must finalize the voter lists, which is essential for conducting fair and transparent elections. The UDH Minister stressed that only after the completion of all these procedures will the urban local body and panchayat elections be conducted simultaneously, ensuring uniformity and efficiency in the electoral process.
'Congress Wants Elections Without OBC Reservation'
On this occasion, Minister Kharra directly accused the Congress party of desiring elections to be held without ensuring OBC reservation. He asserted that such a stance by the Congress is detrimental to the interests of the backward classes, and the BJP government wouldn't allow it under any circumstances. The minister made it unequivocally clear that the government isn't in favor of conducting elections before the constitutional process for OBC reservation is fully completed, even if it entails some additional time. He reiterated that the BJP government is committed to safeguarding the rights and ensuring adequate representation for the OBC community, and there will be no compromise on this commitment. This statement is likely to intensify the ongoing debate surrounding OBC reservation in Rajasthan politics and could Importantly influence the direction of the upcoming elections.
