RJD Stages State-wide Protest for Caste Census and Reservation Quota

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) holds a state-wide protest demanding a nationwide caste census and the inclusion of Bihar's increased reservation quota in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. Leader Tejashwi Yadav actively participates, criticizing the NDA government for inaction during their tenure.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) organized a one-day statewide sit-in protest demanding a nationwide caste census and the inclusion of Bihar's 65% reservation quota increase in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. The protest saw the active participation of Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, who joined from the party office on Beerchand Patel Path.

Parallel demonstrations were planned across various districts. In Patna, visuals showed RJD officials and workers gathering in large numbers at the protest site. Addressing the media, Tejashwi Yadav questioned why the reservation limit increase occurred only during their 17-month tenure in power, accusing the NDA of inaction and dramatics regarding the reservation issue.

Yadav also highlighted that during the RJD-JDU tenure, 5 lakh jobs were provided, and significant policies in sports and education were introduced. He criticized the JDU members for clapping when Bihar was denied special state status and challenged them to support putting the reservation quota in the Ninth Schedule. The BJP countered the protest, alleging RJD's failure to ensure reservation in Panchayats during their rule.

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha defended CM Nitish Kumar, stating that he facilitated the caste census in Bihar and took affirmative actions, unlike the opposition, which failed to provide reservation in Panchayats when in power. The debate over the caste census and reservation quota continues to inflame political tensions in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)