Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan on Sunday said reservation was a constitutional right and no one can abolish it.
"Reservation was provided in accordance with the 'Poona Pact' signed between Dr Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. It is not charity that can be adopted or abolished at one's whim. There is no need to worry over someone's personal comment," a statement quoted Paswan as saying.
"As long as the caste-based system will remain, reservation will continue to remain effective," he added.
Paswan's remarks came a day after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) spokesperson Manmohan Vaidya spoke against reservation.
Paswan warned of protests if attempts were made to interfere with the reservation system.
--IANS
spk/mr
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