Gunjal demands Raje's resignation over Gujjar ST reservation

Jaipur, Dec 19 (UNI) Demanding the resignation of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, expelled BJP legislator and Gujjar leader Prahlad Gunjal today threatened to launch the next phase of the Gujjar agitation if the government did not send a recommendation to the Centre favouring reservation to the community under ST category.

Addressing a press conference, he said, ''The Chief Minsiter is left with only two options, either to resign or send a recommendation to the Centre favouring reservation to Gujjars under the ST category.'' He said Gujjars would not settle for anything less than a recommendation by the state cabinet favouring ST reservation to the community.

''Gujjars all over the country are agitated and frustrated by the report of the Chopra committee, ''he said. The next phase of agitation will begin with a ''mahapadav'' (siege) in Jaipur on Janaury 21, he said, and threatened dire consequences if the government tried to scuttle the agitation.

When asked whether Gujjar Arakashan Sangarsh samiti convenor Col Kirori Singh Bainsla will be a part of the next round of agitation, he said, ''Col Bainsla is welcome but he will not be in command of the agitation. The next round of agitation will be spearheaded by Samyoukt Gujjar Arakshan Sangarsh Samiti''.

Asked whether Col Bainsla also let down the community, Mr Gunjal said the Colonel was a victim of political machinations as he reposed more faith in the Chief Minister. He had warned the Col Bainsla of politics and mechinations of politicans but being a soldier, he failed to comprehend it, he added.

Suspended BJP MLA Attar Singh Bhadana was also present on the occassion.

UNI