Pro reservationists take to streets in Varanasi

Varanasi, May 17 (UNI) Even as the agitation by the medicos at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) against OBC reservation in higher education continued pro reservation students from different universities and colleges here, this evening took to streets in support of the proposed move of the Centre.

Gathered under the banner of Ambedkar Vidyarthi Parishad (AVP), students from BHU, Mahatama Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith (MGKV) and other colleges of the city, carried out a procession from the BHU main gate to Assi crossing, demanding actualisation of the Centre's proposed move to give 27 per cent reservation to OBC in higher education.

''The HRD minister proposal signifies the move towards realisation of the long standing right of backward classes. We will not let the agitating doctors spoil our party,'' AVP leader Hemant Kumar Yadav told UNI.

Terming the agitating doctors as 'Bhakshak' and not 'Rakshak' (destroyers and not saviours), BSP leader Pramod Kumar demanded that if the doctors were so concerned about the talent being driven by reservation, why do they not protest capitation fees charged by various medical colleges, besides the admission in these colleges through the NRI paid seats.

''Even the best of international universities like the Harvard offer 50 per cent reservation to students from other countries,'' Mr Kumar claimed.

UNI ARS VD RN1753