Gujjar Quota Agitation in Rajasthan Called Off; Kirori Singh Bainsla Says Decision Taken ‘in Interest of Nation’

As quoted by ANI, he said that the decision has been taken after the government accepted their demands. The Gujjar leader also said Cabinet Minister Vishvendra Singh shared the draft of the government which includes the Gujjar community’s demand.

Jaipur: The Gujjar quota protest in Rajasthan, which entered its 10th day on Saturday, has been called off ‘in the interest of the nation’, community leader Kirori Singh Bainsla said. He also requested the members to remove all the blockades across the state with immediate effect.

“The agitation concludes today in the interest of the nation. I request that all the blockades across Rajasthan be removed immediately,” Bainsla was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

As quoted by ANI, he said that the decision has been taken after the government accepted their demands. The Gujjar leader also said Cabinet Minister Vishvendra Singh shared the draft of the government which includes the Gujjar community’s demand.

For the last 10 days, the protest, led by Bainsla, had affected the movement of trains in the region as agitators squatted on rail tracks in a bid to push their demand.

A bill was passed in the Rajasthan assembly on Wednesday earmarking five per cent reservation for the community in government jobs and educational institutions. Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot had said, “I want to congratulate Rajasthan government as we have passed the Gujjar reservation bill. The Gujjar community was waiting for so long. It is a historic moment for us.”

On Friday, the members of the Gujjar community continued to block railway tracks and highways in Rajasthan, despite the state government notification.

“We had a meeting with the minister. We have asked for a written assurance from the government that it will take necessary steps if the bill fails to stand on its feet. The Congress had promised 5 per cent quota in the election manifesto and not a bill. Tomorrow, the government will provide us a draft document after which we will take further decision. Till then, dharna will continue,” Vijay Bainsla, son of Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla had told PTI.

(Inputs from Agencies)