Notwithstanding HM’s word on ‘no dilution’, ST move triggers political tussle btw Gujjars, Paharies
Notwithstanding the assurance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that reservation quota of Gujjar Bakerwal community will neither be diluted nor tinkered with, friction continues to persist with apprehensions galore among the tribe that Paharies could eat up the ‘political pie’ in many ways in the Assembly elections.
In what can be seen as beginning of political tussle much ahead of elections, the two communities are said to have drawn the lines of battle with respect to their allegiance to political parties. A feeling of bad blood , so to say enimity already existed between Gujjars and Paharies in J&K, but the intensity of acrimony has only increased post announcement by Amit Shah few days back that Paharies will get their ‘due’ finally, ST status and other benefits in offing, confirmed the sources.
While it remains to be seen in what way the modalities will be unfolded as to the big announcement, the Gujjar Bakerwal community is watchful not only for its status but cautious towards fast changing political combinations and permutations vis-à-vis affiliations and lineage of the leaders towards political parties, said the sources.
The decision of the BJP led Union government for now has triggered a political war between the two communities, even though grudge was already there on various fronts. Yet to come ST tag, has pit Paharies against the Gujjars and Bakerwals and this has begun to push their erstwhile loyalties with traditional parties like NC, Congress and PDP, said the sources explaining it is not only the matter of reservation in jobs and educational institutions by dint of ST status but the wrangling is more for political one upmanship as to which community will hold the sway and say post Assembly elections in the UT.
There is a lot of tension as to alignment of the leaders with political parties and fresh order which is likely to emerge when things will get clear with regard to political reservations granted under the ST status, said the sources. War of nerves and politics is at play as there is a very thin line with regard to empowerment the two communities shall actually have to share, or be content with.
It goes without saying both the communities, more so Gujjar Bakerwals over the years have been treated as decisive vote bank by every political party .Gujjars have always tried to pre empt and scuttle every such move or mood of ruling class that could accrue any benefits to paharies as there is a deep rooted feeling this would jeopardise their interests. However, this time it didn’t work, said the sources adding it came as a well crafted and well timed move , BJP being main beneficiary, undoubtedly this has pushed the two communities into political competition. While a formal decision is awaited, Gujjars and Bakerwals are strongly contending even if Paharies are given ST status, they cannot be given political reservation because present delimitation was done on the basis of 2011 census under which Paharies aren’t listed as ST.
