Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has announced a major protest in front of the Chief Minister’s residence on May 22 and 23. The protest is against the state government’s decision to provide only 11.25% reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) in technical education. The Congress party is demanding a full 27% quota instead, calling the government’s decision unfair and inadequate. 
Speaking to reporters, Ajay Kumar Lallu, the Odisha Congress in-charge, criticized the government’s move, saying it does not meet the expectations of marginalized communities. He warned that if the government does not revise the reservation policy, the Congress party will launch a large-scale protest. “We will not stop fighting for the constitutional rights of backward classes,” Lallu said.
Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das also expressed disappointment, calling the Cabinet’s decision a letdown for SEBC and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students. He argued that 11.25% reservation is too low and demanded an immediate increase to 27%. Das warned that if the government does not listen, the Congress will organize protests across all districts and blocks. “On May 22 and 23, our workers will hold a peaceful satyagraha (protest) outside the Chief Minister’s house. On the second day, we will hold a public meeting to decide our next steps,” he said.
The Odisha government recently approved an 11.25% reservation for SEBC students in state-run universities and government-funded colleges, starting from the 2025-26 academic year. However, the Congress party believes this decision is just a small gesture and not enough to ensure equal opportunities for backward communities.
The Congress has made it clear that they will continue to push for higher reservations, arguing that the current policy fails to address the needs of socially and economically disadvantaged students. With protests planned in the coming days, the political tension in Odisha is expected to rise as the Congress intensifies its demand for a fairer quota system.
Speaking to reporters, Ajay Kumar Lallu, the Odisha Congress in-charge, criticized the government’s move, saying it does not meet the expectations of marginalized communities. He warned that if the government does not revise the reservation policy, the Congress party will launch a large-scale protest. “We will not stop fighting for the constitutional rights of backward classes,” Lallu said.
Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das also expressed disappointment, calling the Cabinet’s decision a letdown for SEBC and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students. He argued that 11.25% reservation is too low and demanded an immediate increase to 27%. Das warned that if the government does not listen, the Congress will organize protests across all districts and blocks. “On May 22 and 23, our workers will hold a peaceful satyagraha (protest) outside the Chief Minister’s house. On the second day, we will hold a public meeting to decide our next steps,” he said.
The Odisha government recently approved an 11.25% reservation for SEBC students in state-run universities and government-funded colleges, starting from the 2025-26 academic year. However, the Congress party believes this decision is just a small gesture and not enough to ensure equal opportunities for backward communities.
The Congress has made it clear that they will continue to push for higher reservations, arguing that the current policy fails to address the needs of socially and economically disadvantaged students. With protests planned in the coming days, the political tension in Odisha is expected to rise as the Congress intensifies its demand for a fairer quota system.
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