Nomadic community protests in Delhi against internal reservation decision

New Delhi

The nomadic community has strongly criticised the Karnataka government and the ruling Congress over what they allege to be an “unscientific classification” in internal reservations. Demanding restoration of 1% reservation, protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Wednesday, staging a massive demonstration.Protesters from different districts of Karnataka participated in the agitation. Following the Jantar Mantar protest, some attempted to march toward the old Congress office on Akbar Road but were stopped by Delhi Police, who erected barricades to prevent a confrontation. Later, a delegation met Congress leader Abhishek Dutt and submitted a memorandum.

The agitation stems from the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission report, which had recommended dividing Scheduled Communities into five categories to ensure fair distribution of reservation. However, the state government implemented the policy in only three categories. The 1% reservation earlier granted to the nomadic community has been withdrawn and merged with Category ‘C’, triggering anger and accusations of injustice.Community leaders accused the Congress government of bowing to pressure from dominant communities while sidelining marginalized groups. “Rahul Gandhi and Siddaramaiah often speak of social justice, but under pressure from powerful communities, they have done grave injustice to nomadic groups. As per the Supreme Court ruling, the Nagamohan Das report must be implemented in full, and 1% reservation restored,” said community leader Moorti.Another leader, Lohith, criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for celebrating festivals while ignoring the plight of the nomadic people. “Rahul Gandhi holds the Constitution in his hand during protests, but where is he now when our rights are being denied? If justice is not ensured, we will launch a larger agitation in the coming days,” he warned.