After an uproar over Muslim reservation in the Parliament this past week, a hot debate a triggered not only among the political parties but also within the Muslim community. The 4.5% sub-quota for OBC minorities within the 27% OBC quota was questioned by Political leaders, namely RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) Supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and Samajwadi Party’s Mulayam Singh Yadav. However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is against the 4.5 sub-quota for OBC minorities sighting it anti-constitutional. The concerned minorities especially educated Muslims has not warm heartedly welcomed the decision of Centre to allot 4.5% sub-quota. In fact, they claim it a ‘Lollypop’, which is not going to improve the condition of Muslims in India.
Working Professionals from Bihar greeting Lalu with Red Rose
A group of working professionals from Seemanchal area of Bihar met with Lalu Prasad Yadav at his residence on Sunday, Dec 25 to discuss the basics of 4.5% sub-quota of OBC reservation. The former Chief Minister of Bihar said that I am demanding separate reservation quota for all Muslims despite any differences in caste and creed. This is very unfortunate that the BJP and its allies had gone against the proposed 4.5% sub-quota, which is altogether not going to help the Muslim at a large scale. Discussing the issue of Muslim reservation on detail, the former Union Railway Minister said the youths from Bihar that the Centre should implement the recommendations of Sachchar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission.
Along with 4.5% OBC reservation quota for Muslims, Lalu Yadav discussed the issues of Muslim youths falsely put behind the bars in charges of terrorist acts. Lalu has said Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh should apologize the nation on the wrong doings of Police that had put 5 innocent Muslim youths belonging to Maharashtra in connection with Malegaon blasts. The youths were falsely framed by Police and they had suffered huge humiliation that altogether has made their lives hell. Lalu urged the Centre should also give compensation to the youths and their family, and suitable job to avoid any further trouble. Lalu also went heavily against the Times of India report “North Bihar is New Azamgarh”. The veteran politician said, the news agencies are misguiding people with such false reports that don’t have any truth. I have visited the areas and never came across any ‘camp’ or any terrorizing act, then from where the TOI reporter dreamed of terrorists, mentioned the RJD chief.
Meanwhile, Muslim community leaders in Bihar are not opposing the move but they say that more important and necessary than this step was the long-pending demand of amendment in Article 341 and implementation of 10% quota for Muslims as recommended by Ranganath Mishra Commission. Some, however, apprehend that the sub-quota within OBC category can create tension and infighting among communities. The entire Muslim community should be declared OBC and the recommendations of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission should be implemented in entirety.
Another major hindrance in Muslims’ political and social empowerment is the Article 341 which prevents deserving Muslims from the Scheduled Castes category. It is often said that on the basis of religion, no govt facilities can be given, but it is interesting that on the very basis of religion, the Muslims are kept from SC category. It is a grave injustice that a dhobi, a nut, a halalkhor if he is Hindu or Sikh or Buddhist, he will enjoy SC status but if he is Muslim or Christian he is kept out. In 1952, only Hindus were in SC category but over the years Sikh and Buddhist were included in that category.
Government does not look fair and honest in the announcement of the 4.5% sub-quota. Before elections, government and parties have been doing such things to appease Muslims. The way they have given 4.5% from within the 27% OBC quota is not good. This will create anxiety and provoke infighting. This is not going to benefit Muslims in large way either. Need of the hour is this, the Muslims should come together on a single platform to pressurize the Government for implementing the recommendations of Ranganath Mishra Commission and Sachchar Committee. Unless the Muslims will remain deprived for generations to come, and the dream of developing India will just be a dream and it never will be a reality.
