MP Govt Likely to Move Supreme Court Soon; BJP-Congress Blame Game Erupts Over 27% Reservation UPDATED

The Madhya Pradesh government’s efforts to secure judicial approval for 27% OBC reservation have suffered a major setback, with the High Court striking down the 2019 amendment that raised the quota from 14% to 27%. The court refused to accept the state’s justification for exceeding the 50% reservation ceiling and directed recruitment agencies to fill the 13% of posts kept on hold within three months.

With the verdict putting the enhanced quota in jeopardy, the state government is likely to approach the Supreme Court soon, potentially seeking a stay on the High Court’s order. However, the immediate relief the government may obtain remains uncertain.

The ruling has triggered a political blame game. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has pointed to weaknesses in the ordinance brought by the then Kamal Nath government, while former Chief Minister Kamal Nath has questioned the present government’s representation before the court. The exchange has turned the judicial setback into a fresh confrontation between the BJP and Congress over a politically significant promise to the OBC community.

The government now faces limited options. An appeal to the Supreme Court could provide another opportunity to contest the verdict, but the High Court’s three-month deadline adds urgency to the matter. The administration must also assess the implications for pending recruitments and appointments affected by the disputed 13% quota.

For both major political parties, the verdict revives questions over responsibility for the failure to secure the enhanced reservation. For the government, the immediate challenge is to formulate a viable legal strategy while managing the consequences for recruitment and its commitment to OBC representation.