In the run-up to the Rajasthan Assembly polls, the Congress party is strategically focusing on garnering support from the ‘Mool OBC’ community, constituting over 50% of the total Other Backward Class (OBC) voters in the state. This demographic seeks equitable benefits from the OBC reservation system, emphasizing their fair share in political representation.
The ‘Mool OBC’ castes, including Mali, Teli, Kumhar, Nai, Dhobi, Ravana, and others, express their concerns about the dominant OBC group occupying a significant portion of reservation benefits. Lt Col (retd) Kesari Singh’s recent appointment as a member of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) has garnered support from the ‘Mool OBC’ community, as he has voiced concerns about the imbalance in OBC reservation.
Hukam Singh Kashyap, President of Mool OBC Sangharsh Samiri, sees hope in Singh’s appointment, stating that it’s a relief for the marginalized OBC community. Kashyap emphasizes the need for fair representation as per the Mandal Commission report, highlighting the challenges faced by ‘Mool OBC’ in securing their rightful share in the reservation quota.
Maniram Prajapat, a ‘Mool OBC’ activist, points out that since the OBC status was granted to Jats in 1999, the representation of ‘Mool OBC’ castes has diminished, with over 90% of OBC seats dominated by a particular community. This imbalance has prompted the community to seek justice for their youth and demand a fair distribution of OBC reservation benefits.
The ‘Mool OBC’ includes various castes with a substantial population, such as Ahir, Kashyap, Kevat, Nishad, Batham, Mala, Jangid, Suthar, Nai, Sanchipa, Swami, Gusai, Kumhar, Kumavat, Swarkar, Mali, Lohar, among others. The Congress party’s alignment with the concerns of ‘Mool OBC’ could play a crucial role in shaping the election dynamics in Rajasthan.
Despite Kesari Singh facing opposition in some quarters for his stance on OBC reservation flaws, the support from the ‘Mool OBC’ community strengthens Congress’s position in the state’s political landscape as the election date approaches
