Modi government to appeal against removal of Jats from OBC list

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court verdict removing Jats from the OBC list has posed a tough political challenge for the NDA government. The government would be forced to defend UPA’s politically-motivated notification, which was put in place to woo the Jat community on the eve of 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Jats have a formidable presence in 70 Lok Sabha seats spread over western UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and UP.

Rural Development Minister Chaudhary Birendra Singh said: “If Yadavs and Gujjars can get reservations, why not Jats?” Congress leader Sachin Pilot told ET that his government had then gone by the demand made by people and had based the decision on the records and recommendations made by the OBC Commission. “It will be difficult for the government to take back the concession once granted,” said a BJP Jat leader. Jat leader Ajit Singh of RLD said a review petition would be filed. “Jats got this right after a massive movement,” Singh said.

Congress leader Amarinder Singh said the All-India Jat Maha Sabha was examining the legal options.