A day after discussions in the Legislative Council on Muslim reservation, the Congress on Wednesday raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly. The NCP, SP and AIMIM also joined the protests. However, the chief minister termed it as Congress' attempt to compete with the NCP, which had also raised the issue in the council.
The issue of Muslim reservation was raised by Congress MLA Arif Naseem Khan who said that the state government has denied reservation to Muslims in education even after the Bombay high court had approved it.
He said that minority affairs minister Eknath Khadse has made a statement in the legislative council that reservation would not be given to Muslims and sought clarification on it from the government.
Former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan also supported Mr Khan and said, “We had announced reservation for Muslims not on the basis of religion, but on the basis of economic weakness. A detailed survey was conducted before taking the decision on reservation.”
Replying to the question, Mr Khadse said that the state government is in favour of giving reservation to weaker sections among Muslims, but it will be done only after ensuring that it survives legal scrutiny.
“As per the Supreme Court ruling, reservation cannot be given on the basis of religion,” Mr Khadse said.
“However, it can be given on the basis of economic and social evaluation of castes. Accordingly, we want to give reservation to certain castes among Muslims, but there is no point in announcing reservation and then a court setting it aside. Some of the castes among Muslims are already getting reservation in the other backward class and nomadic tribe categories,” he added.
Mr Khadse said that those who have already got jobs and admissions based on the earlier notification would be protected.
The opposition was not satisfied with Mr Khadse’s reply and started protesting in the Well. The house was adjourned twice on the issue.
Later, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified that when the Assembly Session was in progress, no ordinance can be promulgated for making reservation for backward Muslims in the education sector. Following the CM’s reply, Congress and NCP legislators staged a walkout from the house.
