Why Are OBCs Demanding 27% Reservation? A Look at the Recent Protest in Bhubaneswar

Protest for OBC Reservation in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Members of the Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) staged a protest outside the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, advocating for a 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in both education and employment.

The demonstration, led by state president Udit Pradhan, lasted approximately six hours and took place under heavy rainfall, with participants holding various placards and banners.

State Congress president Bhakta Charan Das also participated briefly to show his support for the cause.

Following the protest, NSUI representatives delivered a memorandum to Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, outlining their demands.

Pradhan highlighted that OBCs constitute 54% of the state's population but currently receive only 11.25% reservation in education and jobs, calling this disparity "gross injustice and humiliating."

He accused the BJP government in Odisha of neglecting the OBC community's needs.

With over 1 crore OBC individuals in the state, Pradhan emphasized the necessity of reservation to ensure their rights to education, employment, and societal respect.

A formal request was made to the governor for immediate action on this issue.

Pradhan warned that if OBCs do not receive their constitutional rights, the NSUI plans to escalate their protests throughout the state.