Odisha’s ruling BJD announces 27% reservation for OBC candidates in elections

Bhubaneswar: In yet another historic move, Odisha’s ruling BJD has decided to field 27 per cent OBC candidates in the upcoming elections, including the Panchayat Polls.

The decision has been taken by BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik, informed Ministers Ranendra Pratap Swain and Arun Sahoo at a Presser today.

The Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act, 2008 has provision of reservation of posts and services for people belonging to this category, informed Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain.

“It is a historic day for the people of Odisha as  the ruling BJD has decided to reserve 27 % of party tickets for socially and educationally backward candidates in all elections, including the ensuing Panchayat polls. With this, BJD will be the first party in the country to give reservations to OBC candidates,” he said.