Athawale demands sedition charges against those demanding end to reservation

Union minister and Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale on Sunday demanded that sedition cases be registered against those opposing or seeking abolition of reservation, which he called a constitutional right.

In a statement, Athawale claimed protests against quota, including those announced at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, had brought the issue back into focus. He alleged that campaigns were also being run on social media seeking the removal or changes to the quota system.

“Opposition to reservation is opposition to the Constitution. Those taking an anti-reservation stand are anti-constitutional and stringent action of sedition should be taken against them,” Athawale said.

He said some people were demanding the abolition of reservation. According to him, reservation cannot be abolished as it is a constitutional right.

Delhi police on Sunday said no permission has been granted to any individual or organisation to hold a protest or gathering at Jantar Mantar over reservation reforms and warned people against assembling there based on “misleading” social media posts.

A large number of protesters had gathered at Jantar Mantar carrying banners, posters and saffron flags and raised slogans against caste-based reservation.

The protesters were demanding that economic criteria be given precedence over caste in determining eligibility for government support and reservation.