Medico rally in Jaipur gets support of common man

Jaipur, May 23 (UNI) With moving slogans like 'Don't reserve, give us what we deserve,' the resident doctors' anti-quota rally here today got the support of the common man as they came out in large numbers to show solidarity with the cause.

Large numbers of resident doctors, medical students, senior citizens, engineers, lawyers, politicians, community leaders, teachers, children and even disabled participated in the rally organised by Youth for Equality, Jaipur chapter, which began from Sawai Mansingh Hospital and ended at Statue Circle where the people formed a human chain.

The doctors shouted slogans against the Union Human Resources Minister Arjun Singh and carried placards like 'When patients are not categorised, why then doctors', 'Merit, no reservation,' but the march was largely peaceful.

There was tight security arrangement by the police who were present in full force to prevent any untoward incident.

The rally against the proposed 27 per cent reservation garnered the support of the common man as many people openly criticised and raised slogans against the proposed quota policy. ''It is a move to divide students, and should be avoided at all costs and is only a ploy by politicians to keep their vote banks intact,'' said a participant of the rally.

Yesterday, the doctors had a mass-contact programme and conducted door-to-door campaigns for the rally which was visible through the numbers today.

''Around 15,000 people participated in the rally today. People from all walks of life supported us in the rally and walked with us for some distance at least,'' said Dr Rasshim Kataria, president, Youth for Equality.

Meanwhile, the pro-quota groups are organising a sit-in at the Statue Circle, saying those opposing reservations are depriving the poor classes of their rights.

UNI RRT PK DS1340