Bhubaneswar, May 15: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has announced a two-day protest in front of the Chief Minister’s residence on May 22 and 23, demanding 27% reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) in technical and higher education. The party strongly opposed the state Cabinet’s recent decision to provide only 11.25% reservation, calling it inadequate and a betrayal of the SEBC and OBC communities.

Addressing a press conference, Odisha Congress In-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu criticised the BJD-led government’s move, stating that the 11.25% quota falls well short of the constitutionally mandated 27%. He warned that if the government does not revise its decision, the Congress will intensify its agitation across the state.

Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das also slammed the decision, labelling it “disappointing and insufficient.” He stressed that the party would not rest until the full 27% reservation is implemented. Das further stated that Congress workers will stage a satyagraha outside the Chief Minister’s residence on May 22–23, followed by a public meeting on the 23rd to announce their next steps.

The Cabinet decision will be applicable from the 2025–26 academic session.

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