RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s call for debate on reservation has set off a major political row with several Opposition parties condemning any attempt to dilute the provisions of caste-based quota in Government jobs and educational institutions.
While RSS dismissed as “needless” the row over Bhagwat’s remarks, asserting that he merely stressed on the need for talks in harmony within society to address any issue, the Congress, the BSP and the RJD alleged that the “anti Dalit-backward face” of the RSS-BJP has been exposed.
“A needless controversy is being sought to be created over RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s address at a programme in Delhi. He merely stressed on the importance of addressing issues in society through mutual talks in harmony and called for considering a sensitive issue like reservation in a similar manner,” RSS’ ‘prachar pramukh’ (publicity head) Arun Kumar said in a tweet.
He also said that organisation has made it clear time and again that it fully supports reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBC and those getting it on to economic grounds.
Bhagwat had said on Sunday that there should be conversation in harmonious atmosphere between those in favour of reservation and those against it.
“Attack on the rights of the poor, trampling on constitutional rights, snatching the rights of Dalits-backwards. This is the real BJP agenda. The anti Dalit-backward face of the RSS-BJP has been exposed. The conspiracy to end reservation for the poor and the policy of changing the Constitution have been uncovered,” Congress’ chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.
BSP chief Mayawati asked the RSS to shed its “anti-reservation mindset”, saying reservation was a constitutional provision and disturbing it would be an injustice. Mayawati said such a debate would generate a dangerous situation of doubt which was not needed.
“The RSS saying that there should be open-hearted debate pertaining to reservation given to SC/ST/OBC generates dangerous situation of doubt, which is not at all needed,” the BSP chief tweeted.
She also said reservation is a humanitarian and constitutional provision, and disturbing it is injustice and improper and it would be better if the Sangh sheds its anti-reservation mindset.”
Reacting to the statement, RJD spokesman Manoj Jha questioned whether there is any conducive atmosphere in the country in the present Central regime. “The current dispensation has not left anymore a good atmosphere in the country where anything can be deliberated upon. The reality is that the benefits for SC and ST have not been passed to the beneficiaries and whatever has been shared to them is being looked upon to e reviewed. In the name of brute majority this BJP ruled Centre is attempting to trample the Constitution by all means,” Jha said.