BSP chief Mayawati said on Tuesday that the Union Cabinet’s decision to give a 10% reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to the economically backward general section was an election stunt and political gimmick for upcoming Lok Sabha polls. However, she said that her party welcomes the immature move by the government. “It would have been better if the BJP party had taken the decision much earlier, while, now it’s evident that the party is on its way out,” she added.
The Cabinet on Monday cleared the quota for economically weaker sections. The move came as the upper castes, a staunch support base of the BJP, have shown signs of drifting away from the ruling party ahead of Lok Sabha polls which is likely to be held in April-May.
Mayawati said her party has demanded reservation for economically weak Muslims and other minority communities but BJP did not do “justice” to them and that is condemnable. Her reaction came a day after other opposition parties too questioned the timing of the Cabinet decision. But they have also extended support, reflecting the decision’s political significance whereas the BJP has termed the government decision “historic”.
“The party had written a letter in this regard to the government but Centre took a narrow and communal stand and provided the benefit to only a particular section (upper caste), which is injustice for other sections,” Said Mayawati.
“In reality, there should be review of reservation provided to SC/ST and OBC and these sections should be provided reservation as per their population by increasing their quota by amending the Constitution,” Mayawati said, demanding the implementation of quota in promotions.
The Union government is likely to bring a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament to provide the quota over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation.
Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for implementation of the decision. The benefit of the reservation, when implemented, is likely to be availed by those whose annual income is below Rs eight lakh and have up to five acres of land.
