SC/ST promotion quota row: SP for reservation to Muslims

The issue triggered an uproar in the House in the morning with SP members rushing into the Well leading to its adjournment for 30 minutes during Question Hour.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Ram Gopal Yadav (SP) said the Rajinder Sachar Committee in its report pointed out that the condition of Muslims was worse than Dalits and so there should a Constitutional amendment to provide for quota to Muslims.

"When quota in promotion (for SC/ST) can be given by amending Constitution, then why Muslims should not be given reservation in proportion to their population through a Constitution Amendment Bill," Yadav asked.

LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan and RJD members supported him.

Earlier, as soon as the House met for the day, Yadav said he has given a notice for suspension of Question Hour to take up the issue.

The SP members rushed into the Well and stood near the podium raising slogans for implementation of the Sachar Committee report.

The Sachar Committee was Commissioned in 2005 to prepare a report on the social, economic and educational condition of the Muslim community of India. It had concluded that status of Indian Muslims are below the conditions of SCs and STs.

"Please don't come into the Well. This is not allowed. Please go back to your places," Chairman Hamid Ansari pleaded with the SP members. As they did not relent, he adjourned the House for 30 minutes.

SP's move is timed with the controversial quota bill (The Constitution 117th amendment bill, 2012,) which was taken up in the House on Friday under apparent pressure from BSP chief Mayawati and is listed for consideration and passage today.