"I on my level cannot give reservation to Gujjars because we will have to go by the legal procedure only, for which we are with the community. The matter is in the High Court and the court has to take a decision on this," he said.
The Chief Minister blamed the previous BJP government for the ongoing agitation as it had passed a bill providing five per cent reservation to Gujjars and other castes and 14 per cent quota to the economically backward class.
"This was done despite the fact that this 19 per cent reservation was exceeding the constitutional limit of 50 per cent, hence being legally challengeable. It was BJP which took faulty decision in regard to reservation to Gujjars," he said.
The High Court stayed the quota bill in 2010 and directed the Congress government to prepare a survey report on the backward castes and submit it to the OBC commission.
Gehlot was speaking at a public function to commemorate the 12th death anniversary of former Union Minister and Gujjar leader Rajesh Pilot.
His comments come a day after Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla put off his sit-in (Mahapadav) over the issue of reservation for a few days in view of the function.
Slamming Bainsla for "disturbing peace" with frequent protests, Gehlot appealed to the Gujjars to be "open-minded" and appreciate the efforts taken by his government for the upliftment of the community.
"Bainsla disturbs peace by launching stirs instead of explaining the ground realities to his people. We are making efforts to benefit the community with facilities in education and other sectors. Gujjars must be open-minded and understand this," he said.
