Gujjar violence: Mayawati asks BJP to adopt 'middle path' in Raj

Lucknow, June 1 (UNI) Bahujan Samaj Party today expressed grave concern over the violence in Rajasthan over the reservation issue involving the Gujjar community and suggested BJP government there to evolve a 'middle path' to resolve the situation.

''BSP ki Rajasthan mein Bharatiya Janata Party ki sarkar ko salah hai ki woh beech ka rasta nikal kar mamale ko suljhane ka prayas kare( BSP suggests BJP government in Rajasthan to adopt the middle path approach in order to defuse the situation),'' Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP president Mayawati told reporters here.

She said it was unfortunate that Gujjar and Meena communities were on a collision course and the BJP government in Rajasthan should take measures to reduce tensions between both communities.

''I also appeal to the Gujjar and Meena communities to exercise restraint and maintain harmony to restore peace in violence-hit Rajasthan,'' Ms Mayawati said.

It may be recalled that a volatile situation had emerged in Rajsthan following demand by Gujjars to inlcude them in the list of Scheduled Tribes (ST) to enable them to avail themselves of the reservation benefit. The demand protest by the Gujjars turned violent in Rajasthan and later spread to other adjoining states as well.

UNI