OBC-MBC Groups Raise Strong Voice Ahead of Rajasthan Panchayat and Urban Local Body Elections, Challenge BAP, BJP, and Congress

Jaipur, Rajasthan: Just ahead of the Panchayat and urban local body elections scheduled for March-April, the OBC-MBC reservation issue has intensified in Rajasthan’s tribal belt. In districts such as Udaipur, Dungarpur, and Banswara, OBC and MBC organizations have put up posters calling for a complete boycott of the elections, claiming zero representation despite constituting around 25% of the population.

The protesters have warned that unless they are granted 13% reservation without altering the ST quota, no political leader will be allowed to campaign in their villages.

Roots of the Controversy

Under the current reservation system in Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) areas, Scheduled Tribes (ST) receive 45%, Scheduled Castes (SC) 5%, and the remaining 50% is for the general category. OBC Adhikar Manch coordinator Nathulal Patidar said that in these districts, OBCs constitute 22-28% of the population, yet their representation in jobs and education remains below 10%. Targeting the BJP, he added that assurances given by Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav during the Lok Sabha elections were limited only to securing votes.

Political Marginalization Felt Deeply

Poonam Lubana, Vice President of the All India Lubana Society, highlighted that in villages like Mada in Dungarpur, where the Lubana community (MBC) is a majority, residents are excluded from power because key posts are reserved for STs. The 2006 policy changes pushed them into the general category, where competing with economically stronger groups is extremely difficult.

Direct Challenge to BAP, BJP, and Congress

Mahendra Desai Rewari, President of the Rebari community, clarified that the boycott is not aimed at any single party but challenges the entire political system. “BAP, BJP, and Congress all seek votes, but give no representation. Until concrete assurances are made, no candidate will be allowed into our villages,” he warned.

The OBC and MBC groups demand that without disturbing the ST/SC quotas, 10.5% of general-category reservation be allocated to OBCs and 2.5% to MBCs. Rising discontent in South Rajasthan could significantly influence the results of the upcoming local body elections.