Advani says quota policy needs to be reviewed

New Delhi, May 28 (UNI) Speaking on the OBC quota controversy for the first time, Leader of the Opposition L K Advani today called for a review of the reservation policy to assess its benefits and warned that any attempt to trifle with the existing system would hurt the country.

''We have become a knowledge society after many decades of hard work. Any dilution of this knowledge through tinkering of the system will result in the country becoming the first casualty,'' the former BJP president said at the foundation laying of a park in memory of late writer Gopal Prasad Vyas.

Speaking a day ahead of the BJP national executive, Mr Advani said, ''The time has come to review if the 60 years of reservation system have benefitted anyone or not.'' The party had earlier voiced its view that while it favoured reservation for the needy, merit space should not be compromised.

UNI MCN LR PM2232