Aurangabad- In a significant move aimed at garnering support for the reservation system, Prakash Ambedkar, President of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), has extended a personal invitation to prominent leaders across Maharashtra for the upcoming "Aarakshan Bachao Yatra Samaropeeya Sabha" ( Concluding Ceremony). This event, celebrating Mandal Vijay Diwas, is set to take place on August 7 in Aurangabad.
The Aarakshan Bachav Yatra, which translates to the Reservation Protection Yatra, was launched on July 25 from Chaityabhoomi and Mahatma Phule Wada.
The journey officially commenced from Kolhapur on July 26, commemorating the historic decree by Shahu Maharaj in 1902. On this date, Shahu Maharaj issued a landmark order reserving 50% of government jobs for lower castes in Kolhapur. The VBA has chosen to conclude the yatra on a similarly historic date to honor this significant milestone and celebrate the ongoing struggle for marginalized communities.
Since its inception, the Aarakshan Bachao Yatra has traversed over 200 villages across 14 districts, receiving overwhelming support from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other marginalized groups. The yatra is scheduled to cover more than 100 additional villages in 8 more districts before reaching its culmination in Aurangabad.
August 7 holds particular significance in Indian political history. Thirty-four years ago, on this date, then Prime Minister Shri VP Singh announced the implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations, which expanded reservations to include OBCs in government jobs. This decision marked a pivotal moment in Indian politics and society, highlighting the rising political influence of backward communities.
The final event of the Aarakshan Bachao Yatra will serve as a platform for leaders to express their support for OBC reservation and to advocate for its continued protection.
In his letter, Prakash Ambedkar warmly invites all prominent leaders to join the Mandal Vijay Diwas celebrations in Aurangabad. This event will not only mark the conclusion of the Aarakshan Bachao Yatra but also provide a significant opportunity for leaders to publicly affirm their stance on reservation issues affecting OBCs, SCs, and STs in Maharashtra.
Ambedkar's invitation underscores the importance of unity and collective action in safeguarding the reservation system, and it calls upon leaders to stand together in support of marginalized communities.
The VBA looks forward to a grand and successful conclusion of the yatra and encourages leaders to participate in this momentous occasion.
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