The demand for 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) is set to intensify in Madhya Pradesh, with the OBC Mahasabha announcing a march to the State Assembly in Bhopal on July 20. The proposed protest has received support from the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), adding political backing to the agitation.

The protest aims to press the state government to implement the full 27 per cent OBC reservation and remove the legal hold on 13 per cent of the quota, which has remained stalled due to ongoing litigation.

Congress Backs Protest

Former Agriculture Minister and Congress MLA from Kasrawad, Sachin Yadav, has publicly supported the Assembly gherao through a written appeal.

He urged members of the OBC community across Madhya Pradesh to participate in large numbers and make the protest a success. Yadav said the movement seeks the full implementation of the 27 per cent reservation policy and the removal of the hold on the remaining 13 per cent reservation.

He also criticised the BJP government, alleging that its policies have been against the interests of the OBC community.

SP Demands 52% Reservation

The Samajwadi Party has also extended support to the July 20 protest.

State SP president Dr Manoj Yadav said his party stands with the OBC Mahasabha and reiterated its long-standing demand for 52 per cent reservation for the OBC community in Madhya Pradesh based on its population share.

The party has called for reservation benefits to be aligned with the demographic representation of backward classes in the state.

Focus on Pending 13% Quota

The central issue behind the protest is the implementation of the pending 13 per cent reservation, which remains on hold following legal proceedings. Although the state government had announced 27 per cent reservation for OBCs, only a portion of it has been implemented because of court-related restrictions.

The OBC Mahasabha says the July 20 Assembly march is intended to put pressure on the government to take steps towards resolving the issue and ensuring the promised reservation is fully implemented.

Political Significance

The protest comes at a time when reservation and social justice issues continue to feature prominently in Madhya Pradesh's political discourse. With support from opposition parties, the demonstration is expected to draw participants from different districts of the state.

The state government has not yet issued an official response regarding the planned protest or the demands raised by the OBC Mahasabha.