Jan Morcha demands Muslim reservation

Lucknow, Dec 30 (UNI) Hitting out at the Samajwadi Party (SP)-led Uttar Pradesh government for being non serious about minority issues, the Jan Morcha today asked the state government to give 8 per cent reservation to Muslims as per the Mandal Commission recommendations.

Addressing a press conference here, Jan Morcha founder and former Prime Minister Vishvanath Pratap Singh said the reservation on the basis of religion was not good. Just as the backwards among Hindus were benifitted, the Muslims should also enjoy the fruits of reservation.

The Kisan Manch chief accused SP General Secretary Beni Prasad Verma of being anti-Muslim, saying ''Mr Verma pretends himself to be a well wisher of Muslims. But he is a political humbug. I warn Muslims not to be carried away by his crocodile tears. He does not want 8 per cent reservation to be given to the community.'' ''I question the SP government in UP that why it is against the 8 percent reservation to Muslims. The party would have to give proper reasons to quench my thirst, which I know it would definitely not be able to do ,'' former PM added.

Mr Singh maintained that the Mandal Commission recommendations were implemented 16 years back and since then no government has assured Muslim reservation.

The former PM claimed that the reservation to Muslims would be announced within three hours of swearing if his party comes to power in UP.

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