Mandal Agitation

The Mandal Agitation was a political movement in India during the late 1980s, driven by the Mandal Commission’s recommendation to reserve jobs and educational opportunities for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Many OBC communities demanded affirmative action to improve their socio-economic status. The movement involved protests, strikes, and sometimes violence, as it challenged existing caste-based inequalities. It deeply polarized Indian society, highlighting issues of social justice, identity, and affirmative action. The agitation ultimately led to increased representation for OBCs in government jobs and education, shaping India's approach to addressing social disparities.