New Delhi: In a decision that may prove to be a gamechanger ahead of general elections, the Union Cabinet on Monday approved 10% reservation for economically backward upper castes in jobs and education, sources told News18.

As per initial information, those earning less than Rs 8 lakh per annum would be eligible for the proposed quota. PTI quoted its sources as saying that the quota would be over and above the existing 50% reservation cap imposed by the Supreme Court.

Sources added that the government will move the Constitutional Amendment Bill on Tuesday and may also extend the Winter Session for the same by two days.

In its first reaction to the quota move, the Congress dubbed it a “poll gimmick” and questioned how the government was planning to juggle the numbers for the same since the Supreme Court had placed a 50% limit on quotas. In a tweet, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi questioned why the government waited four years and eight months to announce the move.

See last two tweets re reservation 4forwards? Qs—did u nt think of this for 4 yrs 8 mths? so obviously thought of as election gimmick 3mths b4 model code! (3) u know u cannot exceed 50% maxima so it is done only to posture tht u tried unctal thing (4) do u hv majority 4ctal am?

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) January 7, 2019