Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : BJP alleges states under INDIA parties rule wrongly giving Muslims reservation from OBC quota and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
Raising the issue when Special Mentions were taken up, Laxman- who is also the BJP OBC Morcha Chief- alleged that Congress ruled states like Karnataka and Telangana as well as DMK ruled Tamil Nadu and TMC-ruled West Bengal were giving reservation to Muslims from the backward quota.
“Unfortunately, the OBCs who are educationally and socially backward, reservation for them is being misused in the name of religion. Some states are extending this reservation to Muslims. In Karnataka, the entire Muslim community is treated as one caste in the OBC list and 4% reservation is given exclusively to them. In West Bengal, 97% Muslims have been included as OBCs,” Laxman said.
The Opposition members protested against this charge but Chairman CP Radhakrishnan ordered that their words will not go on record.
“In Tamil Nadu, Muslim groups included as OBCs cover 95% of the Muslim population with 3.5% reservation for backward class Muslims. In Kerala, Muslim is listed as a caste in the OBC list and their reservation has been increased from 10% to 12%. In Telangana, apart from Muslims who are OBCs, the Congress government has extended 4% reservation exclusively to 4% Muslims,” Laxman said, adding that due to this OBCs are losing their right to reservation.
He also cited the example of Hyderabad municipal corporation, saying OBCs constitute 50% of the population but Muslims are enjoying reservation (in OBC category).
“I humbly request the government to order a comprehensive review of such religion based reservation. Our policy must focus on social and educational backwardness, not on religion. Only then we can ensure true social justice. Babasaheb Ambedkar had clearly said there cannot be reservation on basis of religion,” Laxman said.Congress led the Opposition walkout on this issue after objecting to the BJP member’s charge.
Leader of the House JP Nadda took swipes at the Opposition, alleging it has exploited Muslim in the name of appeasement politics.
“I have to state with disappointment that in the Congress-led INDI alliance there is no interest in democracy, nor in maintaining dignity of parliament, or in debating an issue or following the Constitution. They have only engaged in appeasement politics to win Muslim votes. The entire Opposition is involved in dividing society and vitiating the atmosphere for the sake of its politics. I condemn this appeasement politics of the Opposition. My wish is that Congress will not get entrapped in the actions of the naïve child (alluding to Rahul Gandhi),” Nadda said.
He alleged that the INDI Alliance parties consider Muslims a mere vote-bank.
“As Laxman said there is no provision for reservation for Muslims. BR Ambedkar had said reservation is only for Hindus. But the Opposition vitiates the society. The Modi government is ready to discuss all issues. This kind of protest is condemnable,” he said.