POLITICS

Will caste politics shape Odisha’s future?

The Odisha government, led by the BJP, has announced a reservation of 11.25% for OBCs in state-run higher education institutions. This decision reintroduces discussions around caste politics in the region. This marks the first instance of the state providing an educational quota for OBCs, although they previously had reservation in government jobs. The decision appears to be a response to pressure from opposition parties, particularly the BJD and Congress, who are advocating for greater rights for backward classes. Historically, caste politics was not a major factor in Odisha, but the BJD is now leveraging this issue to regain support.

Only G23 Congress Members included

About three years ago, 23 senior leaders, who had raised questions about extraordinary delay in holding the organisational polls in the Congress party like Anand Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor, have been included in the diplomatic outreach MP parties going abroad to expose Pakistan's terror link. The Modi led government ignored the names of the Congress party for the diplomatic outreach MPs visit. Out of four, only the name of Anand Sharma was included.

Gaurav Gogoi, Congress MP from Assam, may face a tough time in days to come. Assam CM Himant Biswa Sarma has said that he will present some explosive documents against Gogoi on September 10 this year. The CM has alleged that Gogoi has links with Pakistan. Wait till September 10.