Government jobs in Madhya Pradesh will be reserved for the people of the state, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on August 18. This decision would prove to be controversial as it comes at a time when thousands across the country are facing a job crisis amid the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement has been linked by many to by-polls due in 27 assembly seats, the dates for which are yet to be announced. Chouhan had earlier said the youth of Madhya Pradesh would be given preference in government jobs. The Chief Minister had also spoken about fighting in court for increasing the OBC quota in jobs from 14 to 27 per cent in the state. The move had been struck down by the Jabalpur High Court. Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, whose Congress government fell in March, reminded Chauhan that he had tried to bring a law to reserve 70 per cent jobs in state industrial units for people from the state. Congress also raised doubts about the legality of the move. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also tweeted regarding the issue.