Gujjar agitation: Demands can be met only after amendments in Constitution, says Gehlot

Amid Gujjar community's protest for reservation, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot appealed people to not sit on rail tracks and asked protesters to submit a memo to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I would like to appeal to the people that they shouldn't sit on rail tracks. Their demands can only be met after amendments in the Constitution, so they should submit a memo to the Prime Minister," he told media here.

A section of the Gujjar community has erected tents in protest on railway tracks near Malarna Dungaar station in Maksudanpura village of Sawai Madhopur district, leading to the cancellation of several trains in the Kota division.

On the Gujjar community's demand of 5% reservation, Rajasthan Minister Vishvendra Singh said, "Dialogue has started. I have hope that all problems of the Gujjar community will be solved by the government. I'm not authorised to say anything without consulting the chief minister."

Following the Gujjar agitation, railway passengers were informed of trains cancellation and diversions.

In lieu of the hampered train schedule, the railways has opened refund counters. Divisional headquarters is ensuring enough water in coaches for longer routes. For attending to the heavy flow of calls on railway inquiry number, additional staff has been deputed.

Earlier on Friday, the Gujjars staged a 'rasta-roko' dharna at the railway tracks in Rajasthan's Swai Madhopur district, demanding implementation of the 5 per cent reservation that was promised to them by the state government.