Kirodi Lal Meena Challenges BJP’s Stand on Reservations

In a political dawn strictly viewed to rock the boats within the Bharatiya Janata Party, Kirodilal Meena—an ironman in Rajasthan—has openly put in question the policy of the central government over the applicability of the creamy layer concept in the context of reservations for SC and ST. Coming sounded off as an absolute no to the Modi brand of governance, the open difference of opinion being forced by senior leader Meena has become an apparent show of the widening divide between Meena and his party, particularly with the crucial state elections in tow.

Background of the Controversy

Kirodi Lal Meena is one of the key tribal leaders in Rajasthan, known for several acts of defiance against the party line. At the forefront of the charge against the BJP over its performance in the 2023 Lok Sabha elections, and having besmirched the state government on charges of corruption, Meena chose the sensitive issue of reservation policies for his latest salvo.

Speaking to media persons in Jaipur, he pointed out that there was a tremendous gap between the people who had benefited from reservations within the SC/ST communities. He drew from his personal experiences to explain the contrast between his coming to power and the stagnant conditions of his neighbours, thus stressing the idea that reservations should reach the last person. “I am in favour of excluding creamy layer from reservation benefits, and that is why I support the Supreme Court’s decision,” Meena said.

This stand resonates within his own Meena community, which has gained enormously from reservations but suffers from infighting and rival claims about sharing such benefits. Through creamy layer exclusion, Meena is trying to pitch himself as the champion of the underdog in his community, and thereby making a case for enlarging his base.

The Modi Government’s Position

Contrary to Meena’s position, the Central Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is of the view that the creamy layer concept shall not be applied in SC/ST reservations. The BJP argues that caste-based stigma and systemic backwardness continue till date in these communities, making reservations imperative even for those who have experienced upward mobility.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated after a Cabinet meeting, “There is no creamy layer provision in Babasaheb Ambedkar ji’s Constitution. Cabinet’s thought-out decision is that SC/ST reservations should be provided as per the Constitution.”

The recent judgement of the Supreme Court on 1 August supporting the exclusion of the creamy layer in SC/ST reservations has further muddled the issue. Justice B.R. Gavai pointed out that in the absence of such exclusions, benefits of reservations could remain with a few and the truly disadvantaged could remain without it. But the court also endorsed the need for empirical data to justify sub-classification in SC/ST communities.

Meena’s Political Maneuvering

This is not the first time that Meena has acted in defiance of the party. Following a poor showing by the BJP in Rajasthan in the last general elections-which saw its seat count slump from 25 to 14-Meena resigned as agriculture minister. His resignation was not accepted, but it represented increasing public dissent.

BJP insiders say Meena was feeling frustrated because he was continuously overlooked for major positions of leadership; the position of Chief Minister was given to Bhajan Lal Sharma, a first-time MLA. Added to this is the dividing of his agriculture department budget, which further simmered the resentment of Meena’s dissension.

Even after resigning, Meena continued to be very active in the political scene of Rajasthan and has been using his clout to demand accountability from the state government. Now, with demands for an investigation into the alleged irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission and loud criticism against the BJP leadership, his role as a power broker in the state has been cemented.

With by-elections due in Rajasthan, Meena’s anti-creamy layer stance and his other differences with the BJP leadership are going to play a major role in the party strategy in the coming months.