The Times of India News Service

DHANBAD: Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi has categorically stated that the total percentage of reservation would not exceed 50 per cent in conformity to the statutory provisions and Supreme Court's decision.

Referring to the issue, Marandi told mediapersons here on Saturday that his government would follow the Bihar government's reservation policy announced in 1992. He said that the cabinet committee on reservation would soon clear the controversy.

Coming down heavily on reservation protagonists demanding higher percentage of reservation, Marandi described them as elements of destabilisation who are out to destabilise his government. He asked them why they did not raise any hue and cry when the Bihar government announced its reservation policy in 1992 after implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendation. "This is a conspiracy of the destabilising elements," he added.

Replying to a question, Marandi denied that Salkhan Murmu, who is campaigning for 60 per cent reservation for tribals, enjoys his support on the issue. He said that he has apprised the central party leadership about his decision.

On extremist killings in Hazaribagh, the CM claimed that the situation in extremist affected areas had changed to a great extent within a short span of his nine-month rule. However, he made it clear that the solution to the problem is not so easy.

Earlier in the day, Marandi inaugurated a two-day workshop on rural development organised by the Jharkhand Vikas Parishad. While speaking on the occasion, the CM underlined his government's priority on development and called for people's participation.

Marandi said that his government has given priority to infrastructural facilities like road, power, irrigation and education. He said the government has time-bound targets. Overnight change should not be expected, he added.

The CM was accompanied by a battery of cabinet colleagues and officials. The convener of the Jharkhand Vikas Parishad, P K Agarwalla, BJP MP, deplored that development did not take place even after 54 years of independence. He blamed the corrupt administration machinery on this count.