Bhubaneswar, May 21, 2025 – In a powerful demonstration outside Raj Bhavan, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led thousands of protesters advocating for higher reservations for Other Backwards Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in education and employment.
Led by senior party leaders, the rally demanded 27% OBC reservation and 38.75% SC/ST reservation in professional courses such as medical and engineering colleges.
The protesters criticised the current SEBC reservation of 11.25% in higher education, calling it insufficient and excluding high-demand courses.
BJD emphasised Odisha’s demographic reality, arguing that over 90% of the population belongs to SC, ST, or OBC categories, making a strong case for exceeding the 50% reservation cap.
The rally, strategically timed, positions BJD as a champion for marginalised communities while also serving as a political move against the ruling BJP.
While Congress backed the BJD’s demands, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi defended the BJP’s reservation policy, promising future extensions to professional courses.
The issue remains contentious, with legal and political implications extending beyond Odisha’s borders.
With tensions escalating, BJD has vowed to take its fight from the grassroots to the national level, ensuring the voices of marginalised communities are heard loud and clear.
