The Congress Push for Expanded Reservations Sparks Constitutional Debate

The Congress, in a renewed push for social empowerment, reiterated its demand to include the Bihar reservations law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. The party is also advocating for constitutional amendments to exceed the 50% cap on reservations and to put into effect Article 15(5), which allows reservations for SCs, STs, OBCs, and EBCs in private educational institutions.

According to Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in-charge communications, these issues are central to social justice and will be prominently addressed in the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament. His remarks came in light of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Bihar, where the state's proposed 65% reservation plan faces legal challenges.

Referring to historic precedents, Ramesh highlighted that similar measures were implemented in Tamil Nadu for protecting larger reservation percentages. The Congress's proposed strategies come as a critical juncture for the party, as it aims to make significant strides in social legislation during the Monsoon parliamentary session commencing on July 21, 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)