BJP convention to oppose reservation for Muslims

BANGALORE: The backward classes cell of the state BJP will hold a convention here on February 3 to oppose the UPA government’s decision to grant four per cent reservation to Muslims out of the 27 per cent quota meant for the backward classes.“The decision to hold the convention was taken at a meeting of the leaders and important functionaries of the backward classes cell on Saturday. We have also discussed the logistical arrangements for the convention. The event should be held in the Bangalore Palace Grounds,” state BJP president K S Eshwarappa told reporters after the meeting. When asked if his party was opposed to reservation for Muslims per se or is the opposition only for reducing the quota meant for the backward classes, Eshwarappa said, “It is for both because my party at the national level is of the view that religion-based reservation will divide India. At the same time, the reservation for Muslims is being given at the cost of the backward classes. We are opposed to the proposal on this count too.” According to Eshwarappa, the proposed convention will pass a unanimous resolution urging the President to intervene in the issue in the best interests of the nation. “We will call on the President after the convention to submit a memorandum to this effect. After that, we will mobilise mass opinion about the ill-effects of this reservation policy and also come to the streets to fight the UPA government’s divide and rule policy,” the state BJP president added.