Will Join Sit-In Protest Outside CM Office Over Reservation Policy: NC MP Ruhullah Mehdi
Srinagar, Nov 20: National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi has issued a strong warning over the ongoing controversy surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation policy. Mehdi stated on Wednesday that he would join a sit-in protest outside the Chief Minister’s office if the government fails to take a decision on the contentious issue by next month. His statement reflects growing dissatisfaction among open merit candidates, who allege severe disparities in the job quota system introduced by the Centre.
Responding to a social media post from an aspirant expressing frustration, Mehdi reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the issue. The aspirant lamented the allocation of only 26% of jobs to the open merit (OM) category, which represents 70% of the population, and threatened to protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence if no action is taken.
Mehdi assured the public of his dedication to the “cause,” emphasizing that he has neither forgotten nor stepped back from advocating for the rationalization of the reservation policy. “I have personally discussed the matter with the Hon’ble Chief Minister (HCM) twice and raised the issue multiple times with other colleagues,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
According to Mehdi, the delay in addressing the matter stems from confusion over the distribution of responsibilities between the elected government and “undemocratically imposed offices,” implying interference from non-elected entities. “I have been assured that the government is working towards rationalizing the policy,” he added.
The MP acknowledged the need to give the elected government sufficient time to address the matter but underscored the urgency of the issue. He urged patience, stating that he would allow the government time to act until the conclusion of the upcoming Parliament session, scheduled from November 25 to December 22. “If no decision is taken by then, I will join the aspirants in a sit-in protest outside the Chief Minister’s office or residence,” he vowed.
The issue of reservation disparities has sparked widespread concern. On Tuesday, PDP leader and MLA Waheed Para highlighted similar grievances, pointing to the distribution of lecturer recruitment posts. Of the 575 posts advertised, only 238 were allocated to open merit candidates, while 337 were reserved for various categories. Para described this as a glaring imbalance that requires immediate redress.
Mehdi’s ultimatum underscores the mounting pressure on the government to resolve the controversy and address the concerns of open-merit candidates. His willingness to escalate the matter with a public protest reflects a broader sentiment of frustration among those affected by the current reservation policy. The coming weeks are expected to bring heightened scrutiny to the government’s actions regarding this sensitive issue.
