JD(U) demands sacking Sibal for opposing reservation to OBCS

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav today defended the introduction of reservations for OBCs in educational institutions and demanded that Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal be sacked from the union cabinet for opposing the consensus decision of Parliament.

Mr Yadav, who had staunchly opposed the women reservation bill in Parliament, took a different stand on the reservation for OBCs in educational institutions stating that the government is duty bound to provide reservations to OBC students. Constitution has been amended to provide reservation in private educational institutions as well, then how can the government deny reservations in its own institutions, he told reporters here.

He said it is distressing that reservation is being linked to the Assembly elections in five states. It is the commitment of 'positive discrimination' so that 'suppressed merit' could be given opportunities to realise its full potential.

Stating that he understood the heart-burn amongst students of unreserved categories, Mr Yadav held the government responsible for this situation. He said the government has not opened any new IITs and IIMs or government medical colleges even though it spent Rs 29 crore on paying film stars for performing for ten minutes at Melbourne Commonwealth Games and is planning to spend crores for holding the 2010 Commonwealth games.

He said the government should stop wasteful expenditure and divert money to opening new IITs, IIMs and AIIMS like institutions and create an atmosphere where students of non-reserved categories do not lose opportunities in case of expansion of reservation.

Condemning Mr Sibal's statement opposing reservations, he said the Science and Technology Minister has violated the priniciple of collective responsibility of the cabinet. Mr Sibal was present at the meeting which passed the draft Constitutional Amendment Bill, he pointed out and demanded his dismissal from the cabinet.

Asked about the double speak of politicians on the reservation issue as they oppose the women reservation bill and support the reservation for OBCs, Mr Yadav said that he was not opposed to the Women reservation, but only wanted it for those belonging to weaker sections.

UNI AJ PA GC1839