Mayawati slams Congress on quota issue

Mayawati slams Congress on quota issue

BSP chief Mayawati, who virtually arm-twisted the government to bring the quota bill for SC/ST , on Thursday slammed Congress for not doing any such thing because of which condition of these communities deteriorated.

Participating in a debate on the Constitution (117th Amendment) Bill, 2012 in Rajya Sabha, she said had the intention of the Congress government been clear on the issue, situation would not have deteriorated to the present extent.

Congress ruled the nation for a long time but sadly BSP has to explain to its MPs the need for quota in promotions to SC/ST, she said.

"It is a matter of sadness....the truth is bitter. We only know how we could get the bill moved in a situation where under a planned conspiracy the bill was opposed. It is being portrayed as if it is for the first time that such a move has been initiated by the Centre, whereas the fact is such provisions existed but faced impediments," she said.

The bill, which would circumvent the Supreme Court order quashing such a decision of Uttar Pradesh government in April, is being pushed by Mayawati and reportedly was a condition for her support to the the UPA on the FDI issue last week.

Mayawati cited various court verdicts due to which such promotions could be stopped in states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

Advocating the need for promoting SC/ST communities, she said at the same time an impression is being created that BSP is opposed to quota in promotion to those from backward classes.

The present amendment cannot include backward communities but if any such step is initiated later, BSP will support the bill.

"In fact, my party is also in favour of giving reservation to people from the upper caste who are economically weak," she said, urging political parties to support the bill during voting.

"I appeal all parties to rise above casteism and petty party politics and support the bill to get it passed with good numbers during voting as SC/ST communities need reservation," Mayawati said.

Stressing that SC/ST data in jobs portrayed a dismal picture, she said Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar had struggled much to get justice for these communities but many impediments have now crept into providing quota to these communities and a Constitution amendment is needed.

"I have written several letters to the governemnt...to the Prime Minister," she said and added that there were legal provisions through which Centre and states could provide adequate representation to these communities.

She said the issue was debated earlier also and all-party meetings too were held but when the issue was raised in Rajya Sabha it was not taken seriously.