NextFin news, On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Patna, Bihar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced a comprehensive 10-point reservation plan on behalf of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc. The plan aims to expand reservations for Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and other marginalized groups in Bihar, ahead of the state's Assembly elections scheduled for October-November 2025.
Speaking at the "Ati Pichra Nyay Sankalp" symposium, Rahul Gandhi detailed the INDIA bloc's commitment to removing the existing 50% cap on reservations and introducing a caste census to accurately determine the population of Dalits, EBCs, and other backward classes. The alliance intends to implement these measures if voted to power.
The 10-point resolution includes key proposals such as extending reservations for EBCs in private educational institutions and government contracts exceeding ₹25 crore. It also promises to raise EBC reservations in panchayats and urban local bodies from 20% to 30%, and to enact an "Extremely Backward Classes Atrocities Prevention Act" to protect these communities.
Additional commitments involve declaring the "Not Found Suitable" (NFS) clause in recruitment illegal, forming a committee to address under- or over-inclusion in the EBC list, and providing land to landless families—three decimals in urban areas and five decimals in rural areas. The plan also proposes allocating half of the reserved seats in private schools under the Right to Education Act (2010) to children from EBC, OBC, Dalit, and tribal communities.
Rahul Gandhi emphasized the ideological basis of the plan, stating, "We seek a vision that goes beyond party politics. It is a vision for the 'Ati Pichhda Samaj.' The points which we have mentioned are reservation and the formation of a dedicated committee to address concerns of under-inclusion." He also criticized the incumbent Bihar government led by Nitish Kumar, accusing it of using EBCs merely as a vote bank.
The INDIA bloc's strategy reflects a focus on social justice politics, aiming to unseat the current Janata Dal-United-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition government in Bihar. Seat-sharing discussions among leading parties within the alliance are ongoing as the state prepares for the upcoming elections.
This announcement marks a significant development in Bihar's political landscape, highlighting the INDIA bloc's commitment to expanding affirmative action policies and addressing caste-based disparities through legislative and administrative reforms.
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