Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad has entered Chhattisgarh with the intention of increasing the reservation of Scheduled Caste (SC) from 13 to 16 percent. The political movements in the state have intensified as the Assembly Election 2023 approaches. Azad has given an ultimatum to Bhupesh Sarkar and has warned of starting an agitation from March 3 if his demands are not met. He has also resolved to contest the elections if necessary.
A bill was brought to the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly last December that fixed the reservation ratio at 32% for tribal class-ST, 13% for Scheduled Caste-SC, and 27% for Other Backward Classes-OBC, with a proposal to give 4% reservation to the poor of the general category. The bill is yet to be signed by the governor of the state. Azad held a meeting in Raipur and demanded the Chhattisgarh government to increase the reservation for Scheduled Castes to 16 percent.
Tribals are being oppressed in Chhattisgarh and their rights are being taken away, according to Azad. Political experts are now curious as to whether Azad will fight against the Bhupesh government or the BJP in the upcoming elections. The entry of Chandrashekhar Azad is considered to be crucial for the outcome of the election in Chhattisgarh.
