Political Firestorm: Lateral Entry in Bureaucracy Sparks Reservation Debate

Union Minister Chirag Paswan, along with other leaders, voiced concerns over lateral entry in bureaucracy amidst claims it undermines reservations for SC/STs. Congress alleges the BJP is attacking Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis, while the government refutes, highlighting historical precedence and systematic reforms.

BJP ally and Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Monday expressed concerns about making government appointments without reservations, intensifying the political row over lateral entry. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi labeled it an 'attack' on Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis.

The Centre accused Congress of spreading misinformation regarding the largest-ever lateral recruitment in bureaucracy, reassuring that it will not affect SC/ST recruitment in all India services. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that lateral entry has precedent since the 1970s under Congress-governments.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal criticized Gandhi for bypassing the reservation system, recalling former PM Manmohan Singh's 1976 appointment via lateral entry. Despite Congress's claims, the government insists lateral entry is necessary for expertise and will not harm reserved positions.