When Will Delhi’s Jats Be Recognized? Arvind Kejriwal questions PM Modi

New Delhi: AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has once again reignited the demand for including Delhi's Jat community in the Centre's Other Backward Classes (OBC) list, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over unfulfilled assurances.

Jats Seek Justice: Kejriwal Writes to PM Modi

Kejriwal said he had moved a formal letter to PM Modi seeking inclusion of Delhi's Jats in Centre's OBC list. According to him, this long-pending demand embodies the struggle of that particular community for equality and opportunities.

BJP's Betrayal

He invited a delegation of the Jat leaders at his residence, which, he claimed summarized their annoyance over BJP's decade long "broken promises". He assured AAP wholehearted support to their rightful demand, the feeling of betrayal from the community.

Disconnect of Delhi and Rajasthan Jats

While speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal pointed to an injustice in the situation: If Jats from Rajasthan were being accorded some benefits by central institutions like Delhi University and AIIMS on the grounds of OBC status, their counterparts in Delhi, belonging to the same socio-economic status, were not being given similar benefits.

AAP vs. BJP

Reacting to the comments of Kejriwal, BJP termed his demands as an "election gimmick." BJP leaders accused the Delhi government of failing to take a decision on the issue during their tenure and is now doing it for political benefits. Given the electoral might of the Jat community in the outer constituencies of Delhi, the OBC inclusion demand has emerged as a game-changer for elections ahead.