'SC refusal on OBCs an injustice to democracy'

Chennai, Apr 24:Leaders of various political parties in the Tamil Nadu assemblytoday criticised the Supreme Court for refusing to vacate the stay on27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher educational institutions,with Chief Minister M Karunanidhi saying ''two or three personsdeciding the destiny of 100 crore people'' was an injustice todemocracy.

Replying to a special call attention motion raised by leaders ofvarious parties, including the opposition AIADMK, Congress, PMK andLeft parties on the reservation issue, Mr Karunanidhi urged theCongress-led UPA government at the Centre to take immediate steps,before the situation turned explosive in the country.

He said after the Supreme court's refusal to clear the decks forimplementation of 27 per cent reservation, ''we are in a position tofind an answer to the question whether we have to lift the oppressedclasses or allow them to hung their heads.'' Tracing the history ofTamil Nadu's role in protecting social justice and the sacrifices madeby rationalist leader Periyar E V Ramasamy and late Chief Ministers C NAnnadurai and K Kamaraj, the dravidian leader said it was a matter ofregret that the concept of social justice sought to be demolished byfew people.

Referring to yesterday's supreme court order by a two-memberbench, he said ''the fact that two or three people can determine thedestiny of 100 crore people in the country is a great injustice, harmand evil to democracy.'' ''We have to say this loud and clear to theworld'', he said and urged the Centre ''to take immediate steps beforethe simmering resentments among the depressed and oppressed peopleerupts like a volcano.'' There was no need for the assembly to adopt aseparate resolution on the issue and this fiery words were enough, headded.

UNI

Related Stories