This prospect is all the more unsavoury in light of the fact that Jats have already been declared OBCs. Since all these communities are spread over the countryside, their stakes in the panchayat elections are high. Used to dominating rural politics for decades thanks to their numerical, economic and sheer muscle power, their position has lately been diluted by the new inclusions in reservations for OBCs. The temptation of getting a slice of the OBC pie, therefore, is irresistible. Both Bishnoi and Hussain did not hide it this fact either.

They told mediapersons at Bishnoi's residence before marching to the CM's house, that the six communities ``must'' get reservation benefits before the panchayat polls. If delayed, it would deny them real power for another five years. When asked if they had raised the issue at any Cabinet meeting, both replied in the affirmative. Bishnoi said Gehlot had assured him three months back that Bishnois would be given OBC status and that the government had written to the state Commission for Other Backward Castes to expedite the disposal of this case.

When asked if the government could do anything before a Commission report came through, Bishnoi said that he saw no cause for a delay. ``The Commission is ready with a report and it can give it fast if it so wishes.'' Hussain pointed out that Jats had been favoured because they were more articulate and aggressive, whereas the claims of other communities though far more genuine had been overlooked.

Bishnoi said Jats were a much stronger, prosperous and progressive community than any of the six castes, but the Prime Minister had been responsive to only their demand, and added that even the Yadavs were better off than the Jats. They were a 5,000-year-old community tracing their decent to Lord Krishna, while Bishnois and Meos had been in existence for just five centuries.

Both Hussain and Bishnoi ruled out their resignations from the Ministry in support of their demand. Bishnoi said in a lighter vein that on the one hand they had been denied OBC benefits and on the other hand, the media persons were suggesting they resign too. They also added that the Chief Minister had been rather indulgent with them. When they called him up on the telephone to inform him that they were coming to his residence to present a memorandum, Gehlot promptly came to Bishnoi's residence to accept it. The Ministers did not budge, however, and insisted that he go back and let them march up to his residence.