Congress Slams NDA Over Bihar’s Stalled 65% Reservation Push

Politics in Bihar is heating up again—this time over the long-promised 65% reservation. And Congress isn’t holding back, accusing the NDA of dragging its feet while marginalized communities wait.

Here’s What’s Going On

So Modi was in Bihar last week, cutting ribbons and launching projects—the usual stuff. But here’s the thing: while all that was happening, Congress was busy calling out the NDA for what they see as a major betrayal. Jairam Ramesh and others are saying the government’s quietly shelved the big 65% reservation promise. And let’s be honest, in Bihar, reservation isn’t just policy—it’s survival.

Why This 65% Thing Matters

Okay, some background. Bihar’s been playing the reservation game for decades now, with every government trying to one-up the last. The current proposal? A whopping 65% for SCs, STs, OBCs and the so-called “economically weak” upper castes. Problem is, the Supreme Court set a 50% cap way back in ’92. So yeah, this would smash right through that limit.

Breakdown goes like this: 20% for EWS (that’s the new category for poor upper castes), 18% for OBCs, 16% for SCs, and 1% for STs. Plus some complicated sub-categories that’ll probably keep bureaucrats busy for years.

NDA Says “We’re Trying”, Congress Says “Bullocks”

The government keeps talking about their commitment to social justice. But Congress isn’t buying it. Ramesh put it bluntly: “They’ve betrayed Bihar’s marginalized communities.” And he’s got a point—when you compare the big talk to actual action, there’s a huge gap. Like that time last year when…

Wait, let me rephrase that. It’s not just about words versus deeds. The BJP’s playing smart—Modi’s development rallies look great on TV, but where’s the meat? As my friend in Patna says, “They’re serving biryani with no meat, just color.”

How Congress Thinks It Could Work

Changing the Constitution: They’re looking at Tamil Nadu’s playbook—that state’s been running 69% reservations since 1994 thanks to a constitutional amendment. But here’s the catch: you need Parliament on board, and good luck with that in today’s climate.

The Article 15(5) Route: This one’s interesting. It lets the government make special provisions for disadvantaged groups. Ramesh argues they could use this without touching the Constitution. Smart move? Maybe. But courts might disagree.

Legislative Jugaad: Bihar could pass a bill, get Parliament to stick it in the Ninth Schedule (that’s like a legal safe zone), and hope it survives challenges. Tamil Nadu did it, but it took years of court battles. High risk, high reward.

Why This Could Make or Break 2025 Elections

Here’s the real game. Bihar politics runs on caste math—every percentage point matters. If the NDA keeps stalling, they might lose OBC and EWS votes. Meanwhile, Congress is going all in, trying to reclaim its old social justice image. And let’s not forget the RJD, always ready to jump in. Honestly? The 2025 elections might just become one big referendum on reservations.

It’s Not That Simple Though

Legal experts I spoke to say crossing 50% is like walking through a minefield. The Supreme Court’s been strict about this for years. Then there’s opposition from upper castes who feel left out, plus the nightmare of actually implementing all these sub-categories. One lawyer friend put it perfectly: “They’re trying to build a skyscraper on quicksand.”

Bottom Line

This isn’t just about percentages on paper. It’s about real people’s lives—and which party can actually deliver. Congress has thrown down the gauntlet with their proposals, but will any of it work? Your guess is as good as mine. One thing’s certain though: Bihar’s watching closely, and so should we.

If You Want to Dig Deeper

• That boring Ministry report everyone quotes but never reads
• Rajya Sabha debates (bring coffee)
• How other states are gaming the reservation system

PS: If you’re from Bihar, hit me up—I’d love to hear what you think about all this.

Source: Times of India – Main