BJP minister faces heat over reservation statement

Mumbai: The opposition as well as its alliance partner Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha (MSP) has slammed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister Chandrakant Patil over his statement regarding Maratha reservation. Mr Patil had said that, the decision of reservation is in hands of the backward classes commission. MSP head Narayan Rane and a few opposition leaders slammed Mr Patil's stand.

Revenue minister and chairman of cabinet sub-committee over Maratha Community's issues, Mr Patil, made a statement on Saturday that incited the controversy. He said, “Decision of Maratha reservation is in hands of backward class commission. Government will do its work once the report of this commission is received. State government is committed to do everything possible for the community's development.”

Allied partner of BJP and senior leader Mr Rane disagreed with Mr Patil saying, “State government does not need approval in this case. Even if commission rejects the proposal of reservation, state government will have to prove the community's backwardness in social, economical and educational issues. The state is authorized to do so under article 16 and 17 of the Indian Constitution.”

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant called Mr Patil's statement ‘an attempt to run away from his responsibility’. “BJP had assured reservation to Maratha community during 2014 elections. Dhangar community was also given similar assurances. But none were fulfilled, and now Mr Patil is pushing the matter into backward commission’s court,” said Mr Sawant.

Nationalist Congress Party’s chief spokesperson Nawab Malik said, “After almost four years, BJP is trying to wash off its hands from its duties. It happened in case of depositing `15 lakh in people’s accounts, it happened in assurance of ‘Achche Din’ and now it is happening in Maratha and Dhangar reservation.”