Quick Commentary: Why Does the Gurjar Agitation Recur in Rajasthan?

The repeated resurgence of the Gurjar agitation in Rajasthan is rooted in several socio-political and administrative causes. Primarily, these protests are centered around the demand for reservation and the resolution of long-standing community-specific issues.

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, even after the government’s proposal was accepted during a Mahapanchayat held in Peelupara, Bharatpur, a faction of youth opposed the decision and blocked the Delhi-Mumbai railway track.

Key Demands of the Gurjar Agitation:

Inclusion of the MBC Reservation Bill in the Ninth Schedule: This is the Gurjar community’s foremost demand to give constitutional protection to the reservation provisions.

Implementation of Agreements Made During Previous Protests: The community insists that the state government must fulfill the commitments made during earlier agitations.

5% Reservation in Government Jobs: Ensuring the community avails full benefits under the promised reservation.

Effective Implementation of the Devnarayan Scheme: This scheme is aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of the Gurjar community.

Withdrawal of Cases Registered During Past Protests: The community wants all legal cases filed during earlier agitations to be withdrawn.

Compassionate Appointment for Families of Protest Martyrs: Demands include government jobs for the kin of those who lost their lives during the movement.

Filling of Vacant Posts from REET 2018 Recruitment: The community seeks recruitment to the remaining posts.

Historically, the Gurjar movement has surfaced in various forms—ranging from blocking railway tracks to mass protests and rounds of negotiations with the government.

Experts agree that while it is within the community's democratic right to raise their voice through peaceful movements, blocking national infrastructure like railway tracks or damaging public property is not justifiable. Past incidents have shown negative outcomes from such approaches.

It would be in the community's best interest to pursue constructive dialogue with the government to arrive at a peaceful and dignified resolution. Such an approach will not only safeguard public order but also lend strength and credibility to the Gurjar movement.