Controversy Over Delimitation Draft in Assam as SC Community Demands Reservation
Assam: SC community protests for reservation of Chamaria constituency in Boko, demands fair representation
Delhi: Controversy has arisen over the proposed delimitation draft of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies in Assam, as the Scheduled Caste (SC) community in Samaria demands reservation for their representation.
Protesters expressed discontent with the Election Commission of India's (ECI) proposal to abolish the former Chhaygaon constituency and replace it with the 27th Samaria constituency. They have called for a revision of the proposed reservation for the constituency, the India Today NE reported.
The draft suggests merging the Samaria block from the Boko constituency and the Garaimari block from the Chhaygaon constituency to form the 27th Samaria constituency. However, the SC population in the proposed Samaria constituency is higher than in the currently reserved Boko constituency. This has fuelled the demand for reserving the 27th Samaria constituency for the SC community.
Protesters gathered at the Ram Saraswati playground in Samaria on Friday and staged a sit-in at the Samaria Revenue Circle Officer's office, the EastMojo reported. They chanted slogans and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Assam, the ECI, the District Deputy Commissioner, and the Chairman of the Assam Constituency Redetermination Committee through the Chamaria Revenue Circle Officer.
They reportedly emphasised the need to preserve the cultural and religious heritage sites within the proposed constituency. The community argues that the reservation is crucial for the Scheduled Castes, as the sacred lands have already been encroached upon.
Mixed reactions have emerged across Assam, creating tears in the social fabric, as per reports.
The Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council welcomed the draft and organised rallies in support. On the other hand, former Assam minister Dr Kamala Kalita supported reserving the Samaria constituency for the Scheduled Castes. The All Assam Tribal Sangha Secretary Aditya Khakhlari raised concerns about reduced SC seats and increased reservations for scheduled tribes.
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