Unlike the turbulent week long agitation in May-June, the Jail Bharo Andolan of Gurjar community, demanding inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe category, passed off peacefully on Tuesday. Thousands of Gurjars, led by Col (Rtd) Kirori Singh Bainsla and Congress MP Sachin Pilot courted arrest at all divisional headquarters in Rajasthan.

Pilot courted arrest at the state capital while the leader of Gurjar reservation movement courted arrest in Bharatpur along with BJP’s expelled MLA Atar Singh Bhadana. The most vocal Gurjar leader, also expelled from BJP for his anti-Vasundhara sentiments on the reservation issue, Prahlad Gunjal, courted arrest in Kota along with his supporters. While Gurjar sources claimed that almost four and a half lakh people gathered in Jaipur, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Rajsamand, Kota, Jaitaran and Khetri to court arrest, the administration, however, claimed a significant drop in numbers. Official figures said the number was likely to be close to one lakh.  

Home secretary V S Singh told Deccan Herald that the agitation was quite peaceful and no untoward incident was reported. The state government had made adequate arrangements to handle the situation.

Meena threat
Meanwhile, state’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister Kirori Lal Meena has threatened that all the 31 sitting MLAs of the Meena community  would resign if the ST list was amended.

Speaking at the 14th convention of Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad at the state capital, he said they were against any inclusion or amendment in the existing ST list and would firmly resist if any such decision was taken. He said they have already made the chief minister aware of their stand on the issue. 

Reacting on the Meena community’s threat, Vikram Singh Gurjar said the Meenas of eastern Rajasthan have fully enjoyed the benefits of reservation. Now its’ high time that other tribals, including 46 deprived Bhils of Rajasthan too get their just share. He said they are planning to move a petition in the Supreme Court to debar Meenas from the ST list  like it was done in the case of Kolis of Gujarat in 2002.  They have enjoyed the benefits for years now and other tribals should get an opportunity to rise, he added.