NCP asks AAP to spell out stand on secularism, reservation

NCP today asked the Aam Aadmi Party to spell out its stand on secularism and reservation for backward classes and minorities.
The new party should give a clear view on where it stands on the principles of secularism. AAP should spell out its ideology, NCP spokesman Nawab Malik said at a press conference here.
When HRD minister late Arjun Singh introduced reservations for OBCs in IIMs and IITs, Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia's Youth for Equality forum opposed the move.
"The party should clarify if it is opposed to reservations. NCP supports reservations for minorities and Maratha community in jobs and education. Since AAP is contesting Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, we would like to know their view on this issue," Malik said.

Taking a dig at the Shiv Sena for its proposed January 23 rally to mark the birth anniversary of late Bal Thackeray where the Shiv Sainiks will have to "pledge" their loyalty to the party, he said, "Late Balasaheb never felt the need for such oath from Sainiks. Irrespective of the pledges administered to them, Sainiks, MLAs and MPs are not happy with the current party leadership."
When asked about Shiv Sena corporator Sheetal Mhatre and former Mayor Shubha Raul's charges of women not being treated well in the party, Malik said, Bal Thackeray had opposed reservation for women in politics, saying that a woman's place is in kitchen and she should be looking after children.

"The party has not yet changed its attitude towards women," he said.

Malik also ridiculed BJP leader Gopinath Munde's announcement that the Sena-BJP, if voted to power, would do away with the toll on roads, flyovers and highways.
He said private investment is required for infrastructure.
"How will the private parties recover their costs? Nitin Gadkari as state PWD minister had introduced the concept of private investment in road construction and recovery of the cost through levy of toll. This concept was accepted by the Vajpayee government," he said.