The residents of the State capital express their outrage against the caste-based reservation. At a few localities, the house owners have put up pamphlets in front of their premises asking political parties not to seek votes from people belonging to general category.
The pamphlets further urge people to choose the None of The Above (NOTA) option in the upcoming assembly elections.
The message read, “I belong to general category. Political parties, be kind enough to not embarrass me by asking me to vote for you. Vote for NOTA.” Urging the government to address this issue and scrap caste-based reservation, a resident Suresh Mishra told, "We expected more from both the Centre and state government in terms of work they have done to address the issue related to caste-based reservations."
He further claimed that those belonging to the general category are worst affected by reservations. "The worst affected are our kids, who are often denied an equal opportunity when it comes to getting admission in schools, colleges or getting jobs. Even these people (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes category) are often exempted from giving examinations. This is affecting people who are from the general background. It is high time that the government addresses the issue," he added.
Another resident Priyanka Bhrgava said that people belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) should be given financial help instead of quotas in education and jobs.
"Help them financially instead of giving them so many benefits. For instance, a general candidate student, even if he fares well in his school examinations, is often ignored, while the other student, who has scored less but belongs to SC/ST category, is given the opportunity," she said.
She further added that political parties use the issue for political gains in elections. "This is unfortunate, but, the political parties also use this as an opportunity to win elections. Many aggrieved voters will avail the NOTA option instead of casting their votes for any particular party," she stated. Notably, Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly elections will be held on November 28 to elect representatives of the 230 constituencies in the state.
