BSP announces support to Gujjars' demand of ST status

Jaipur, Mar 10 (UNI) The Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP) today formally announced its support to agitating Gujjars demanding ST status.

Senior party leader and Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Laxmi Narain Chaudhary announced this at the congregation held by Gujjar Reservation Joint Action Committee(Gunjal-Bhadana faction) at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium here.

Three UP Ministers, including Mr Chaudhary and BSP General Secretary and Rajasthan unit Incharge Dharmvir Singh Ashok, participated in the congregation.

Party Supremo and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati had already made the party stand clear over the issue at a BSP rally held at the same venue last month, Mr Dharmvir told UNI. However, it was only today that a formal declaration was made at a Gujjar community platform.

The three-member Uttar Pradesh ministerial team and state BSP leaders participated in the ''mahapanchayat'' on invitation from the organisers of Gujjar Action Committee.

The Gujjar Reservation Joint Action Committee (Gunjal-Bhadana) was scheduled to hold an indefinite dharna ''Mahapadhav'' here from today to press for the community's demand for ST status but later their was a change in the programme and the Mahapadhav was converted into a ''mahapanchayat'' (congregation).

This change was made in view of assurance by the state government for withdrawal of cases against Gujjar activists, suspended BJP MLA and commitee leader Attar Singh Bhadana said.

UNI SS SHB KN1732