‘Population-based quota should be implemented’

NAGPUR: Criticizing the 10% EWS quota as ‘unconstitutional’, retired Bombay high court judge B G Kolse Patil said the best way to proceed now would be to give population-based reservation. In the city to launch the ‘Justice Movement’ which will tackle various social issues, Kolse Patil said pegging reservation to population will resolve all conflicts related to the issue.
Speaking in the backdrop of ‘Save Merit Save Nation’ campaign opposing reservations beyond the 50% limit, Kolse Patil said various political forces are trying to drive a wedge between communities even though practical solutions are available.
“The reservation system has been in existence for just a few decades. Basically, it came after the Constitution of India was adopted. But what about the unwritten reservation which was enjoyed by certain privileged people for centuries? Nobody ever talks about those things,” said Kolse Patil. He said the ‘divide and rule’ policy was being pushed by people with vested interests. “We think that the divide and rule policy was introduced by British. But it has been in place in India for thousands of years. The British only continued with it. Now, again we are witnessing this policy, where in the name of reservations, groups of people are being pitted against each other,” said Kolse Patil.
The former judge also apprehends a threat to his life from those who disagree with his thoughts. “So many people with whom I have worked are no more. Govind Pansare and Justice Lohiya are all gone. This may very well be the last press conference I will hold as people who disagree with powerful people are being eliminated,” said Kolse Patil.
He raised doubts over EVMs and demanded that India shift back to paper ballots. “Only 18 countries in the world use EVMs and the chip producing companies have accepted that it can be programmed in any way. If we want free and fair elections then it is important to shift back to the paper ballot system,” said Kolse Patil.