In a bid to placate agitating Patidars demanding quota for jobs and education, the Gujarat BJP government has announced 10 % quota for economically backward class among the upper castes, who are eligible for quota under the existing system.
And with respect to this, a special ordinance will be provided to 10% reservation in jobs and education on May 1st. This decision was finally taken in a high level meeting between Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, BJP president Amit Shah and Gujarat party president Vijay Rupani.
Recently Haryana and Rajasthan governments recently announced special quotas for Jats and Gujjars respectively. The decision by Government seems to be firm as Patel community forms the backbone of BJP in the state. So this clearly shows BJP's vulnerability.Regarding this cabinet minister said,
"We need to do this, else it would be tough to face assembly polls midst agitation by one of the powerful communities in the state." It has to be noted that Patel community alone constitute 12-15% of the total population and they control the Political economy !
