Cong questions timing on Modi govt's move on quota for poor

Raising questions about the timing on the Centre's move to provide 10 per cent quota in government jobs and education for "economically weaker" sections, Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal Tuesday termed it as "lollipop" to the people of the country.

Also demanding a joint parliamentary committee to investigate alleged irregularities in the Rafale deal, the Congress MP from Kerala said, "Rafale scam" will be a major issue during the parliament polls.

"Government of India has announced reservation, it isgood, we welcome it..but at the last minute, after ruling the country for four-and-half years you are giving this lollipop to the people of this country, now," Venugopal said.

"We are not opposing, we are supporting, but we are saying they should have brought it bit earlier, because they are bringing ahead of election.

To implement this a constitutional amendment is required, it has to be passed with a two thirds majority in the parliament, it also has to be passed by at least ten assemblies, where is the time for itnow?" he asked.

In a major move ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Union Cabinet Monday had cleared a 10 per cent quota in government jobs and education for "economically weaker" sections, meeting a key demand of upper castes, a staunch BJP support base which has shown signs of a drift from the party.

A constitutional amendment bill in this regard was also tabled in the parliament on Tuesday.

Pointing out that reservation for economically backward was mentioned in the Congress manifesto during the previous parliament polls, Venugopal said, "but we did not get majority."
Pointing out that the Prime Minister calls himself "chowkidar", the Congress leader said, "but people are now asking questions about the transparency of "chowkidar."