 Early Times Report
Jammu, June 5: Annoyed National Conference (NC) Lok Sabha member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has issued a stern warning to his own party’s government in Jammu and Kashmir, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, against any delay in addressing the contentious reservation policy. Mehdi emphasized that June 10, 2025, is the deadline for the Cabinet Sub-Committee, formed on December 10, 2024, to submit its report on the existing reservation rules. He vowed to stand with the agitating youth if their demands for rationalization of the policy are not met by the deadline.
The reservation policy, amended in February 2024 by the BJP-led central government, has sparked widespread discontent, particularly among open merit students. The changes, which increased reservations to 70% and reduced the open merit quota to below 50%, have been criticized for sidelining merit-based opportunities and disproportionately affecting certain communities. The policy, implemented by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration in March 2024, granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to communities like the Paharis and expanded the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list, further fueling protests.
Following a high-profile demonstration led by Mehdi outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence on December 23, 2024, the J&K government constituted a three-member Cabinet Sub-Committee, comprising ministers Sakeena Masood, Javed Ahmad Rana, and Satish Sharma, to review the policy. The committee was tasked with examining grievances in consultation with stakeholders and submitting a report within six months. However, earlier ambiguity about the timeline prompted Mehdi to publicly demand clarity, warning that any failure to act decisively would be a “blatant lie and betrayal” to the students who trusted the government’s assurances.
In a recent post on X, Mehdi reiterated his commitment to the youth, stating, “If the demands of the agitating youths are not fulfilled, I will come in support of the youth.” His remarks underscore growing tensions within the National Conference, as he has openly challenged the party leadership on multiple issues, including reservation, statehood, and Article 370.
The reservation issue has gained significant traction, with students and activists, supported by opposition leaders like PDP’s Waheed Para and AIP’s Sheikh Khursheed, protesting for a policy that reflects the region’s demographic realities. Critics argue that the current system, which allocates only 40% of government jobs and educational seats to open merit candidates despite their constituting nearly 70% of the population, undermines merit and risks social unrest.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has assured that the sub-committee’s report will be submitted by June 10, 2025, following his meeting with protesting students in December 2024. He clarified that the initial omission of a timeline was an oversight, now corrected, and emphasized open communication with stakeholders.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the sub-committee’s recommendations and the government’s response. Mehdi’s warning signals potential escalation if the youth’s demands for a fair and balanced reservation system remain unaddressed, highlighting a critical challenge for the NC-led administration in maintaining internal unity and public trust. |
