Gurjar Mahasabha flags lack of political representation, seeks greater share in legislatures, institutions | India News
NEW DELHI: The Akhil Bharatiya Gurjar Mahasabha has raised concerns over what it describes as inadequate political and institutional representation of the Gurjar community, claiming that the community has only 20 MLAs among approximately 4,600 legislators in the country and no representation in the Union Cabinet.The organisation said the issue of representation would be a key focus of its national convention at Delhi’s Talkatora Stadium on October 27, where it plans to discuss political participation, reservation-related demands, youth development and social reform.Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of India on Friday, Mahasabha national president Harish Chandra Bhati called for greater representation of the community in political and institutional decision-making, including legislatures, the Supreme Court and the media.Bhati said the community’s contribution to the freedom struggle had not received adequate recognition and called for measures to address the historical and social consequences of the British-era Criminal Tribes Act. He said the law had branded members of the Gurjar community as criminals, contributing to displacement and long-term social exclusion.The representation figures cited by Bhati were claims made by the organisation and were not independently verified.Reconsider political support without adequate representationBhati said political support should be linked to the community receiving an appropriate share in decision-making. He indicated that the Mahasabha would discuss whether the community should reconsider its approach to supporting political parties without adequate representation.The convention will also consider a proposal to establish a separate political platform for the community. Bhati said the organisation would decide its future course after discussions at the gathering, for which it has estimated a turnout of around one lakh people.He also said the Mahasabha would raise the demand for a Gurjar Regiment in the armed forces, arguing that the community’s contribution to the country should receive greater recognition.The organisation said it would pursue its demands through democratic and constitutional means.Reservation, caste census among key demandsThe Mahasabha also called for the implementation of recommendations made by the Idate Commission, a revision of the base year for the caste census and the inclusion of Most Backward Classes (MBC) reservation provisions in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution.It further sought the withdrawal of cases related to Gurjar reservation that, according to the organisation, had remained pending for nearly 20 years.National organisation secretary Dr Roop Singh called for the identification and protection of historical sites associated with Gurjar-Pratihar-era rulers. He urged the Archaeological Survey of India to ensure their preservation and called for identification and information boards to be reinstalled at the sites.Youth development and social reformThe October 27 convention will also discuss education, skill development, employment and greater participation of young people in public service.National vice-president Savinder Singh Bhati said the Mahasabha was running an initiative to encourage young people to express their views through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means, while discouraging violence and damage to public property. He also called for guidance and support for young people preparing for competitive examinations, including the IAS and IPS examinations.
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Another national vice-president, K P Singh Kasana, called for greater awareness about substance abuse and more opportunities for young people through skill development, employment guidance and links with industry.The organisation also plans to adopt resolutions against dowry demands and extravagant wedding spending, as well as costly post-death feasts that it says place financial pressure on families.The convention, being held to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is expected to bring together community representatives from different states to discuss political representation, social reform and the future direction of the organisation.
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