Lucknow erupted in political drama on Wednesday as the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly witnessed a fierce clash over reservation policies in state-level recruitments. The heated exchange during question hour spiraled into chaos, forcing Speaker Satish Mahana to adjourn the house for 10 minutes amid uproar from both sides.
Samajwadi Party MLA Ragini Sonkar kicked off the confrontation by demanding detailed clarifications on the implementation of quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in government jobs. She accused the administration of creating ambiguities at multiple levels, undermining the spirit of affirmative action.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna countered with data, revealing that since April 2017, 47,000 positions have been filled: 18,000 from the general category, 2,081 from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), 9,580 SC, 447 ST, and 17,295 OBC candidates. Dissatisfied, Sonkar pressed further with supplementary questions on quota percentages and compliance.
Tensions peaked as ruling party members jumped in, leading to shouts and disorder. The Speaker appealed for order, expressing displeasure at the treasury bench for interrupting opposition time. With disruptions persisting, proceedings were suspended briefly. Resuming later, the house moved on smoothly.
Another flashpoint emerged when SP MLA Sangram Singh Yadav raised the dismissal of over 100 outsourced staff from Azamgarh’s Government Medical College. He questioned why long-serving contract workers aren’t regularized. Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar clarified that regularization isn’t feasible, but a dedicated corporation safeguards their interests against exploitation.
Opposition members alleged opacity in salary disbursements via companies and non-deposit of PF deductions. The government assured action on any irregularities. Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh addressed queries on licenses for 16-year-olds to ride 50cc vehicles, stating a proposal is pending with the Centre for electric vehicles.
This episode underscores deepening divides on employment equity in UP, with reservations remaining a perennial battleground. As the session continues, expect more such showdowns shaping the state’s political narrative.