Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the central government to include the Jat community in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list at the national level. Kejriwal’s letter comes as part of his efforts to address the long-standing demands of the Jat community, which has been advocating for OBC status to ensure better access to educational and employment opportunities.
In his letter, Kejriwal emphasized the importance of recognizing the Jat community's socio-economic challenges and granting them rightful access to government benefits under the OBC category. He stated that the community, which has a significant presence in several northern states, has faced marginalization despite its crucial role in the country’s agricultural sector and other key industries.
Kejriwal’s appeal is seen as an attempt to garner support from the Jat community in Delhi, especially in light of the upcoming elections. The Jat community, which has been an influential political force in several states, has been a point of focus for various political parties, including AAP, as they strategize for the upcoming polls.
The Delhi Chief Minister’s call for the inclusion of Jats in the central OBC list is likely to intensify political debates, particularly in states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, where the community has a significant voter base. This move by Kejriwal also signals his continued effort to engage with marginalized communities as AAP aims to consolidate its political position in Delhi.
The demand for Jat inclusion in the OBC list has been a contentious issue for years, with political parties across the spectrum pledging support at different times. However, despite these promises, the community's request has not been fully addressed at the national level, leading to dissatisfaction among many Jat leaders.
As the Delhi polls approach, Kejriwal’s letter to PM Modi is expected to draw attention to the issue of social justice and the government’s handling of backward community rights. The letter, along with Kejriwal’s stance on regional concerns, is set to play a role in shaping the political discourse in Delhi and across the country in the lead-up to the elections.
