In anticipation of the Bihar elections, Rahul and Tejashwi, along with leaders from the Mahagathbandhan, launched the Atipichda Nyay Sankalp (Extremely Backward Classes Justice Pledge). This pledge outlined a 10-point program. However, this very program now poses a potential challenge in seat distribution. Sources suggest that Mukesh Sahni, Pashupati Paras, and the left parties intend to convey to the Congress-RJD that Nitish Kumar has already secured this particular vote bank. To make inroads into the EBC (Extremely Backward Classes) vote bank, which constitutes 36% of the electorate in Bihar, a proportionate distribution of seats and candidates is essential.
The issue isn’t solely confined to the Mahagathbandhan; voices within the Congress and RJD also suggest that Nitish has already done what he needed to do to win over this vote bank. The Mahagathbandhan has only made announcements thus far. Therefore, to project seriousness regarding this vote bank, a commitment to seat distribution and candidate selection is crucial. The EBC card played by the Congress-RJD appears to be turning into a headache even before the seat allocation.
What are the 10 points of the Atipichda Nyay Sankalp?
Rahul and Tejashwi, along with Mahagathbandhan leaders, have outlined the following 10 points in the Atipichda Nyay Sankalp. The pledge includes sending a law to include the 50% reservation limit in the 9th schedule to increase reservation. Reservation in Panchayat-city bodies will be increased from 20% to 30%. Reservation will be implemented in all private colleges and universities.
The “Not Found Suitable” system in appointments will be abolished. A committee will be prepared for proper representation in the list of Extremely Backward Classes. Land will be provided to the landless residents of SC/ST/OBC/EBC. They will receive 3 decimal land in the city and 5 decimal land in the village. Half of the reserved seats in private schools will go to SC/ST/OBC/EBC children. Also, 50% reservation will be given to SC/ST/OBC/EBC in government contracts up to Rs 25 crore. A law will be made to stop the atrocities against the Extremely Backward Classes. An authority will be created to oversee the reservation, and only the assembly will be able to make changes to the list.