Cong to intensify movement on Rampur Gandhi Samadhi issue

Varanasi, May 31 (UNI) The Congress today threatened to intensify its movement on the Gandhi Samadhi issue, if the Samajwadi Party-led government in Uttar Pradesh tried ''to harm the memorial of Father of the Nation at Rampur in the name of beautification.'' Interacting with mediapersons here, UP Congress Committee chief Salman Khurshid alleged that Uttar Pradesh minister for Urban Development Mohd Azam Khan had again embarked on the project to ''do away'' with the memorial comprising a larger than life statue of Mahatama Gandhi on the pretext of Rs one crore worth beautification project.

Former Congress MP from Rampur Begum Noor Bano has staged a dharna against the ''attempts'' by Mr Khan and his supporters to do away with the Gandhi Samadhi.

Besides, a UPCC delegation led by Congress Legislature Party leader Pramod Tiwari had recently met Governor T V Rajeswar and sought his intervention in the matter, he added.

''Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has in the past assured that no harm will be done to the Samadhi and if the government fails to keep its promise, the Congress will intensify its movement on the issue.'' On the OBC reservation issue, the UPCC chief said there were differences within every political party, including the Congress, over the issue.

''The differences are not on the point of reservation, but its structure. A debate is needed over whether or not the creamy layer in the OBC be given the benefit of 27 per cent reservation in higher education,'' he observed.

Mr Khurshid said although Mandal Commission had recommended reservation in electoral process, education was also included by governments at Centre owing to inequality in educational opportunities.

''The ambit of quota has not touched the higher education system -- representing one per cent of the educational structure. It has become essential to provide equal opportunities to all.'' The former union minister, however, clarified there was no demand for reservation in defence forces.

Mr Khurshid appealed to the agitating doctors to return to work for the sake of humanity.

''When Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said the interests of none will be harmed, the people in white coat should believe him,'' he noted.

The Congress leader, however, remained tight-lipped when asked who in the party had demanded the 27 per cent OBC reservation in higher education.

On the political developments in the state, Mr Khurshid said the party was keeping an eye on it, including the Jan Morcha rally against the SP government and formation of a new party by Muslim leaders.

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