While not opposed to the idea, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday questioned the intentions of the BJP-ruled Centre for proposing a 10% reservation for the economically weaker section (EWS) in employment and education.
The government proposed a Constitutional amendment to allow a 10% quota for the poor in the general category, adding to the caste-based reservations already in place.
‘Not against the idea’
Speaking at a press conference, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said: “We are not against the idea. But we are questioning the timing and intention behind the move. It is an election stunt. After speaking to some RSS leaders, I know that the BJP and the RSS want to eventually end reservations for Dalits.” He said that the proposed amendment included provisions that would not stand the test of trial.
“The amendment also includes reservation in private sector. Won’t the private companies take the matter to court? And, if we are giving 10% quota in private jobs to EWS category, then why are the reservations for Dalits not extended to the private sector,” he asked.
On Monday, when the Union Cabinet approved the proposal, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal had supported the idea but termed it an “election stunt” if the government did not bring in an amendment. A Constitutional Amendment Bill was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday evening.