Saharanpur: Hoping to woo Muslims voters in Uttar Pradesh,Rahul Gandhi on Friday was out to hard sell Center's decision on sub-quota for minorities and attacked the Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party for "doing nothing" for the community when they were in power in the state.
The Congress promised that the quota could also increase in future and that minorities could be given 6 to 8 per cent reservation in government jobs in Uttar Pradesh if the party forms a government in the state.
Addressing a public rally in this minority-dominated district,Gandhi said that it was Congress,which initiated the move for reservation for Muslims as it felt that they were not getting adequate opportunities.
"We implemented the Sachar Commission report.... Then we initiated the move for reservation.Prime Minister also took initiative. This will give you representation in education and jobs. We did it because we feel that we want to connect you," said Gandhi.
Accusing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav of "changing" their stance on Muslim reservation, he said they were in power in the state for a long time but made no such effort.
"Mayawati did nothing in five years. Mulayam Singh also made no effort. Now Mayawati says that we have asked the Center to bring reservation.
"When the Prime Minister said there will be reservations(for minorities)then Mulayam Singh Yadav commented it is less.When you were Chief Minister why did you not do any such thing?" Gandhi asked.
The All India Congress Committee general secretary also dared the Samajwadi Party chief to mention in his party's manifesto that he favours 18 per cent reservation for Muslims, as he is now saying.
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