Lucknow- In Lucknow, candidates from Dalit and backward classes have been protesting for the last 532 days at Eco Garden, demanding fair reservation in the recruitment of 69,000 teachers. The situation escalated on Wednesday as protesters attempted to surround the assembly, leading to a clash with the police. In response, law enforcement used mild force, resulting in injuries to half a dozen candidates.

The protestors allege fraud in the reservation of 6,800 seats in the recruitment process, prompting their demand for a re-evaluation of appointments on these seats. Bhim Army Chief had urged the protesters to encircle the Assembly on November 29, but due to unforeseen circumstances, he couldn't reach Lucknow from Delhi.

At 9 am, a substantial number of candidates moved from the protest site toward the assembly, coinciding with the government's budget presentation in the winter session. Witnessing the swelling crowd, the police erected barricades at the Hussainganj intersection. The protesters, undeterred, were resolute in advancing toward the assembly.

Facing defiance from the protesters, the police resorted to mild force to maintain order and subsequently detained all individuals involved. This intervention led to injuries for many, necessitating medical attention.

The police directed the detained protesters to Eco Garden, ensuring the containment of the situation. Simultaneously, an ambulance was summoned to attend to the injured, who were subsequently transported to the hospital for treatment.

Alleged Rigging of 6800 Vacancies

The candidates, who have been agitating in Eco Garden for 532 days, demand appointments based on the selection list released on January 5, 2022. They claim that despite the Chief Minister's instructions, appointments for the 6,800 reserved category candidates have not been made. The protestors seek a meeting with CM Yogi Adityanath to address their concerns, warning of further assembly encirclement if their demands remain unmet. Candidates assert that the reservation process for 6800 seats in this recruitment has been marred by fraud, prompting their demand for a redo of the recruitment on these contested seats.

Vijay Yadav, leading the candidates, revealed that despite the Chief Minister's directives, the list for appointing 6800 reserved category candidates was released on January 5, 2022. However, to date, these appointments have not materialized. The singular demand voiced by the protestors is a meeting with CM Yogi Adityanath to secure their appointments. Failing this, they declare their intention to once again encircle the assembly.

Ongoing Struggle

The unrest extends beyond Eco Garden, with OBC category candidates besieging the BJP office on November 25, entering the premises. In response, the police, acting on information, dispersed the protesters through a lathi charge.

On November 17, the candidates repeated their encirclement strategy, this time around the residence of the Basic Education Minister. Despite rectifying errors in the reservation process, candidates express frustration at the lack of appointments. Continuous efforts, including performances before Diwali, have failed to garner attention to their demands. The teachers have made impromptu visits to the Chief Minister's residence twice, receiving assurances but no concrete action. Post-Diwali, they returned to Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh's residence, demanding appointments and were forcibly transported to Eco Garden by the police.

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