Bringing to an end her government’s 27-day-old standoff with Gurjjars demanding Scheduled Tribe status, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje today announced that Gurjjars, Rebaris and Banjaras would be given five per cent reservation as a special category. She later announced another special quota of 14 per cent for the poor among the among the upper castes in the state, including Brahmins, Rajputs, Vaishyas and Kayasthas. This move, the first by any state government, underlined the BJP’s anxiety to ward off a possible backlash by upper castes, perceived to be the party’s traditional vote bank, to reservation for Gurjjars.

Addressing a joint press conference with Gurjjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla in Jaipur, Vasundhara Raje said the five per cent quota for Gurjjars, Rebaris and Banjaras “would not have any adverse effect on the present reservation system in the state”. This was clearly to allay apprehensions of the influential Meena community which enjoys ST status but doesn’t want it accorded to the Gurjjars. She said “there is a necessity to give special support to some sections”.

Calling Vasundhara Raje an “able administrator”, Bainsla said: “We are thankful to the Chief Minister. We have got our rights today. Now it is for the Centre not to delay.” He said the agitation would be called off once he reaches Pilupura in Bharatpur district.

Soon after resolving the Gurjjar issue, Vasundhara Raje addressed a separate press meet to announce reservation for the poor among the upper castes, based on a report submitted today by the Economically Backward Classes Commission. The speed with which the report was accepted by the government suggested that the BJP wanted to rule out any upper caste backlash to the quota for Gurjjars.

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