LUCKNOW, July 25 -- The Samajwadi Party has decided to observe July 26 as Aarakshan Diwas (Reservation Day) as well as 'Samvidhan-Manastambh Sthapana Divas' ((Constitution Monument Foundation Day), party's national president Akhilesh Yadav announced on Friday. The party will hold simple programmes across Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country to mark the occasion. Ceremonies will be held at the SP headquarters and all district and local offices in the presence of a copy of the Indian Constitution. In a statement, Yadav claimed the date holds historic significance because on July 26, 1902, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj, the ruler of Kolhapur, became one of the first Indian rulers to implement reservation in government jobs. Shahu Ji Maharaj introduced 50% reservation for backward classes in his princely state, drawing inspiration from the social reform ideas of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. "On this day, the spirit of social justice was put into practice through reservation. Later, Babasaheb Ambedkar made it a fundamental right in the Constitution," Yadav said. He further said his party views the Constitution as the ultimate protector of reservation and social justice. "Reservation survives only if the Constitution survives. The Constitution is our shield and armour. It eliminates inequality and paves the way for equality, equity and fraternity," Yadav remarked. HTC...