Bharatpur: The Gujjar community is once again gearing up for a new agitation with several demands including reservation for Most Backward Class (MBC). Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla, who arrived at the Mahapanchayat held at Adda Pilupura on Saturday to decide the strategy of the movement, has made it clear that the government has time till November 1.
During this period, either the government implements what was initially agreed otherwise people will again take to the streets again.
The Colonel said that the government is being given this time till November 1 is due to Rabi crops. "Our farmer brothers should finish off all the work related to the standing crop in the fields by November 1, after that they should be ready to join the movement," Colonel said.
The Panch Patels of the society present in the Panchayat have also made it clear that this time there will be no talks with the government in Jaipur, whatever will happen will happen here itself.
Anirudh Singh targeted the government
Anirudh Singh, son of former minister Vishvendra Singh also attended the Gurjar Mahapanchayat. He attacked the Gehlot government fiercely from the stage here. He said that the last time the movement took place, the government had made a promise, given assurance to Colonel Bainsla but the government has not met any of the demands. Anirudh said that the government has made his father appear like a liar in front of people, that is why he did not come here himself.
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At the same time, Colonel Bainsla's son Vijay Bainsla said that now Jats and Gurjars are united. If the government does not agree to the demands, one track will be uprooted by the Gurjars and the other track will be uprooted by the Jats.
Government remained on high alert closely watching the Mahapanchayat
The Gehlot government has been on high alert for the last two days in view of the Mahapanchayat held at Adda Pilupura, Bayana in Bharatpur district. From the minister of the government to the trusted top officer, remained in touch with Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla and the prominent leaders of the community. Ashok Chandna, a minister coming from the Gurjar community in the government, started off to Bayana. At the same time, IAS Neeraj K Pawan was also sent by the government to mediate between the Colonel and the government machinery.
The level of government's alertness can be gauged from the fact that Neeraj K Pawan who was engaged as Observer in Telangana was called to Jaipur by cancelling his duty overnight. Neeraj Pawan has also played the role of a bridge between the government and Gurjar leaders during the Gurjar movement. This time too, while talking to Colonel Bainsla and his son Vijay Bainsla, Neeraj K Pawan is trying to find the middle path.
While talking to the media, Vijay Bainsla clearly said that there has been a demand from the government for adherence to the Gurjar Reservation Agreement for a long time. The governments change but the demands remain unattended. At the same time, Neeraj K Pawan said that there are some demands lying pending with the government, they will be fulfilled soon.
These are demands:
- Government to maintain agreement of 2011
- In recruitments since 2011 give the benefit of reservation to the candidates of Gurjar Samaj and complete the recruitment.
- The government should talk to Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla
- The government should hold a review meeting and nurture the agreement.
- Among the 73 people who died during the movement of 2007-08, the widows of three deceased received honours and their rights.
Heavy police force deployed
The police were also on full alert in view of Gurjar Mahapanchayat. A large number of police forces were deployed around the site of the Mahapanchayat. Police officers also kept an eye on the entire situation at every moment.
There have been many agitations in the past
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Even before this, the Gurjar society had taken to the streets demanding reservation. Under the leadership of Colonel Kirori Singh Bainsla, the people of the society have agitated about half a dozen times in the past. Some of the movements have been violent also. During these movements, the protesters had badly damaged the government's property along with committing violent acts. But, every time the movement was quelled after the talks between the government and the Gujjar leaders.
"Put pressure on 25 MPs"
With regard to Gurjar Mahapanchayat, State Congress President Govind Dotasara appealed to the society to pressurise 25 MPs. He said that if there is any demand from the Rajasthan government, then negotiate them across the table.
Who said what
"There has been a demand from the government for the fulfilment of the Gujjar Reservation Agreement for a long time. Governments change, but they are not implemented. If the agreement is not implemented, the government may again have to face situations like the Gurjar agitation of 2007-2008."
Vijay Bainsla, Gujjar leader
"The government kept the Gujjar community busy after giving them assurance as a result Gurjar Samaj is again on the verge of renewing the movement."
Satish Poonia, BJP State President
"Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has always been in support of the society. The Chief Minister has always solved every problem of society. The people of Gurjar society put their issues before the government in a peaceful manner. Movement is not the solution to any problem."
Minister of State for Medicine, Dr. Subhash Garg
"All the demand of the community has been fulfilled by the government. Some small demands are pending due to technical flaws; we are trying to work on solving those issues too."
Neeraj K. Pawan, IAS
