Omar hits out at PM on quota bill, says 'politically motivated'

Former chiefminister Omar Abdullah Tuesday termed as "politically motivated" a bill introduced by the Centre in Lok Sabha that seeks to amend Constitution to provide 10 per cent reservation quota to economically weaker sections from the general category.

The National Conference (NC) vice-president also trained his guns on Prime MinisterNarendra Modi over the government introducing the reservation bill in Parliament on the last day of the Winter Session, saying "had PM been sincere, he would not have waited for nearly four and a half years".

"You (BJP) have majority in Parliament forpast four and half years, but you did not find it (bill)necessary. But on the last day of the last session of the current Lok Sabha, you (BJP government) bring this bill and create anew category. It is straight way poltics being done andpeople are being fooled", Abdullah told reporters here.

He questioned the timing of the bill, saying: "I haveproblem with the timing. As far as the bill is concerned, it will bedecided by Parliament or court. My question is about thetiming. How come this reservation become suddenly necessary".

Hitting out at PM Modi forannouncing reservation for economically weaker sectionsbelonging to upper castes ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Abdullah said, "Politics is a strange thing and politicians aremasters in using the people. They think people are naive andgullible".

"Prime Minister suddenly announced reservation. Hadhe been sincere, he would not have waited for nearly fiveyears," Abdullah said.

The former chief minister attributed the decision to BJP's defeat in Madhya Pradesh,Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Telangana assembly polls.

"The person (PM), who wants to do it with a clearintention, would not wait for so long. They were defeated inelections in MP, Chatisgarh, Rajasthan and Telengana, and havesuddenly woken up to announce this 10 per cent reservation.They have no intent to give reservation. If they would haveclear intention, they would have given it earlier. Theirintention is clear that it would get through (in Parliament)", Abdullah added.

Pointing towards its use in the 2019 general elections, Abdullah said, "If the bill doesn't get passed, the BJPwill say that they tried but Parliament didn't pass it andthey will offer the same excuse if it is defeated in the court."