Left against anti-reservation movement: Saleem

Mangalore, May 26 (UNI) The Left parties will strongly oppose the anti-resevation movement launched by medicos and doctors across the country, CPI (M) MP Mohammed Saleem, said today.

Addressing a press conference here, the Left leader from West Bengal accused the English media of supporting the anti-reservation movement.

Referring to the claim by the striking medicos that the increase in the reservation of seats for Other Backward Classes in higher education would divide the society, Mr Saleem said on the contrary, anti-reservation movement would only lead to further divide in the already divided society.

He said by opposing the reservation, the striking students and doctors were opposing the Constitution. ''The anti-quota movement is by the exclusive society and not by the inclusive society. The Left parties are for the inclusive society,'' he added.

On the ban imposed by the Gujarat government on the screening of the latest Hindi film 'Fanaa,' starring Aamir Khan, in protest against the actor's remarks in the Narmada issue, he said ''The Gujarat government opposing people like Aamir Khan and human rights activist Medha Patkar for raising their voice against inadequate rehabilitation measures amounts to sheer autocracy.'' To a question, Mr Saleem said the Left would oppose any hike in the price of petroleum products.

UNI MA RG MSJ DB2130