Jat Reservation Already Implemented in Delhi: Devendra Yadav

In a recent statement, Delhi Congress President Devendra Yadav emphasized that the Jat reservation has been in effect in Delhi since the tenure of Sheila Dikshit. He pointed out the historical context and the political maneuverings surrounding the reservation issue, highlighting the discrepancies in the current political discourse. Yadav’s remarks are pivotal in understanding the ongoing debates about the Jat community’s status and the associated political dynamics.

Historical Implementation of Jat Reservation

Yadav detailed that the Jat community was granted OBC status under the UPA government in 2013, during Sheila Dikshit’s administration. This decision was aimed at addressing the socio-economic disparities faced by the community. It included the Jat population across approximately seven states.

The UPA’s move was a significant step towards ensuring the inclusion of Jats in the reservation framework. The initiative aimed to provide equitable opportunities in education and employment, recognizing the historical injustices faced by the community.

Supreme Court Challenge and NDA’s Role

The 2014 challenge in the Supreme Court marked a turning point. The NDA government, which had come into power by then, failed to continue the momentum established by the UPA. According to Yadav, this lapse led to the eventual rollback of the reservation benefits for the Jat community.

Yadav criticized the NDA’s approach, suggesting that their lack of action in defending the reservation policy in court contributed to the community’s loss of benefits. This inaction, as he argued, stands in stark contrast to the commitments made by the ruling government.

Political Implications and Kejriwal’s Silence

Yadav also questioned the role of Arvind Kejriwal during this crucial period. He asked why Kejriwal remained silent when the Jat reservation was being dismantled in court. Yadav implied that Kejriwal’s current rhetoric is politically motivated, especially with the upcoming elections. He accused Kejriwal of raising these issues after 11 years, questioning his sincerity towards the Jat community’s welfare.

The Delhi Congress President highlighted that if Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had genuinely been concerned, they would have taken a stand much earlier. The timing of Kejriwal’s remarks, according to Yadav, suggests a political strategy rather than genuine advocacy.

BJP and AAP’s Political Strategy

Yadav did not hold back in his criticism of both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the AAP. He accused both parties of politicizing the Jat reservation issue for electoral gains. According to Yadav, these parties have consistently prioritized political expediency over the genuine welfare of the community.

He asserted that had the BJP effectively represented the Jat community’s interests during the Supreme Court challenge, the scenario would be different today. Yadav also accused AAP leaders of engaging in political theatrics, leveraging the Jat reservation issue as a tool for electoral gain.