BJP Slams Omar Govt’s Proposal to Increase Open Merit Quota by 10% and Trimming RBA, EWS Quota

Ziraat Times News Desk

Jammu/Srinagar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised the Omar Abdullah–led government’s reported proposal to increase the open merit quota by reducing 10% reservation allocated to Reserved Backward Areas (RBA) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

Leader of Opposition Sharma said the party “strongly condemns and will oppose any move to compromise reservations for marginalised communities,” asserting that equitable access for disadvantaged groups must remain non-negotiable.

“It’s imperative that we safeguard the rights of economically disadvantaged sections, regardless of caste, and ensure equitable access to opportunities across all regions,” Sharma said.

The BJP leader accused the Omar government of “caving in to pressure” allegedly exerted by MP Rahulla, calling the decision “blatantly anti-youth” and damaging to the interests of underserved communities.

Sharma further stated that the BJP will take up the demand for age relaxation for PSI aspirants with the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, terming it a “long overdue measure” that the current government has failed to address.

Reaffirming the party’s stance, he said the BJP “remains steadily committed to supporting the youth of the state” and will oppose any policy that undermines opportunities for marginalised sections.