West Bengal Assembly Clears OBC Reservation Bill Covering 66 Classes

Last Updated:June 29, 2026, 16:00 IST

West Bengal Assembly passes OBC reservation amendment bill, extending quotas in government jobs to 66 classes, TMC ensures passage despite internal split and opposition votes.

The West Bengal Assembly on Monday passed the West Bengal Backward Classes (Other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) (Reservation of Vacancies in Services and Posts) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending reservation benefits to 66 classes under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

The legislation was passed with 186 members voting in favour and 17 against after a division was sought in the House.

Division Of Votes Ordered

Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose ordered a division of votes following a request by Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Nawsad Siddiqui.

The bill secured an overwhelming majority, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) ensuring its passage despite political differences within the party.

TMC Split Visible During Voting

Before voting began, several TMC legislators owing allegiance to the Ritabrata Banerjee-led group staged a walkout from the Assembly.

However, MLAs aligned with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remained in the House and participated in the voting process, helping the amendment sail through.

Reservation Expanded

The amendment provides reservation in government services and posts to 66 classes identified under the OBC category.

The move comes amid the state’s broader exercise to identify and notify OBC communities following legal and administrative scrutiny over the reservation framework.

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