Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has urged Governor Anusuiya Uikey not to delay decisions on the Bills providing for 76% reservation indefinitely. Baghel emphasized that the Congress government is ready to contest the legislation in court if the governor clarifies her stance. He stated that there are only three options for the governor: either return the Bill expressing dissatisfaction, forward it to the President, or keep it pending indefinitely. Baghel dismissed the idea of seeking legal advice, asserting that the legal advisor is not above the Vidhan Sabha (Assembly).
Baghel defended the reservation Bills, highlighting the establishment of a quantifiable data commission based on a court order. He emphasized that the central government also implemented a 10% quota for economically weaker sections (EWS) based on a quantifiable commission’s report. Baghel explained the logic behind the 4% reservation for EWS, emphasizing that the Vidhan Sabha approved it with the agreement of all parties.
The Chief Minister accused the governor of wanting to delay the Bills, despite his government addressing all 10 questions posed by her on December 25. He mentioned that a delegation from the Chhattisgarh Sarva Adivasi Samaj was stopped by the police while trying to besiege Raj Bhavan, and the governor declined to meet them, citing health issues.
Congress state in-charge Kumari Selja expressed disappointment with the governor’s reluctance to sign the Bills and announced a “maha-rally” on January 3 in Raipur to demonstrate public support. If the governor remains unyielding despite the rally, Selja indicated that the Congress would approach President Droupadi Murmu.
