Uncertainty over Gujjar talks ends; Col Bainsla to join in

Jaipur, Jun 15 (UNI) A four-member Gujjar team left here for Pillukapura today to consult their leader Col (retd) Kirodi Singh Bainsla on the future course of action, ending the brief uncertainty which suddenly hung over the ongoing talks between agitating Gujjars and the Rajasthan Government over the ST status demand.

The further course of the ongoing talks would take its due time and Col Bainsla is likely to join the talks.

The uncertainty arose during the talks last night following the Gujjar delegates' refusal to go to Pillukapura till receipt of a clearcut proposal from the state government.

This had put the future course of talks in peril as the next round of talks was due to be held only after their return from Pillukapura with guidelines on their future stand during the talks.

However, following persuasion from the state government, the Gujjar leaders agreed to continue the process and left to meet Col Bainsla this morning, Leader of the state government delegation Ramdas Agrawal said.

Mr Agrawal said the next round of talks would be held later in the day after the Gujjar team returned from Pillukapura.

''Col Kirodi Singh Bainsla himself is expected to reach Jaipur with the Gujjar team to participate in the official talks,'' Mr Agrawal added.

Meanwhile, in another significant development, Meena legislators have resorted to 'pressure politics' to derail the ongoing talks over the Gujjar reservation issue.

Ruling BJP MLA and former minister Kirodi Lal Meena has sent his resignation from Assembly membership to Speaker Sumitra Singh's office.

MLAs Kanti Meena and Kanhiya Lal Meena have also expressed their willingness to quit assembly membership over the issue.

Some Meena legislators had held a meeting at Dr Kirodi Lal Meena's residence here last night and some more MLAs could resort to taking a similar step.

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