Rajasthan, an epitome of peace and harmony, a state that houses 36 different communities, couldn’t escape the flames of recent Jat agitation. Spreading like a forest fire, the stir engulfed several villages and towns of Bharatpur and Dholpur districts in Rajasthan. The reason? Rajasthan Jats, allegedly spearheaded by self-styled leaders launched massive protests on major railway tracks and highways, demanding their ‘rights’. By rights, we don’t mean the right to peace, education, gender equality or safety. Right, in this case, was restricted to reservation demands. This makes us wonder, was Jat Aandolan necessary in Rajasthan? Why didn’t the Jats adopt a peaceful, rational approach to this problem?
Earlier it was Gujjars and now Jats that took the ‘violent’ route to voice their opinions. Caste-based reservations are no longer seen as a means to uplift economically backward and oppressed communities. On the contrary, everyone demands a share in the ‘quota pie’ to secure their candidature in high-end colleges and government recruitments. It’s not the browbeaten folks that get the benefits of reservation, rather the opportunists that grab this opportunity to satiate their greed. The Jats of Bharatpur and Dholpur affirm this notion.
For years, the Jat communities residing in the cities and uptown areas enjoyed the benefits of quota—quota that was meant for other deserving members of their communities. Meanwhile, the rural societies that were backward in every sense were deprived of their right. Perhaps it was frustration or lack of social support that caused Bharatpur and Dholpur Jats to react in this manner. Displeased by the felony of their own community members and fuelled by self-styled leaders for votes, the Jat protestors blocked rail lines and highways in Rajasthan. This was their last resort to get their point across loud and clear.
Adopting a peaceful approach to this situation, Rajasthan government tried to mollify this situation. The authorities assured to grant their requests, within the power of the constitution, based on the OBC commission report submitted by the social justice and empowerment ministry. The impending crisis was resolved in a flash! Had Jats put forth their request before the government directly, it would’ve been easier to avoid jams, road blocks and train delays.
Therefore it’s important for us to rise above social boundaries, greed and selfish desires. It isn’t right to disrupt social harmony and peace just because we demand reservation in government jobs and colleges. We need to trust the government and adopt a peaceful way to get the point across without causing distress to others.
