Reservation for V-P post for a Muslim by parties bad: VHP

New Delhi, Jul 24 (UNI) Accusing political parties of virtually reserving the seat of Vice-President for a Muslim, the VHP today said preference for religion than character of a person boded ill for the country's future.

After four per cent reservation for Muslims in Andhra Pradesh in government jobs and schools and colleges, the post of Vice-President has also been reserved for a Muslim by all political parties, alleged VHP general secretary Pravin Togadia, addressing the media today.

''Preference for a person's religion than his ability, character and public standing while selecting a candidate for the post of Vice-President exhibited the decadence of the Indian political class. And both the NDA and the UPA by chosing a Muslim candidate have virtually endorsed 'reservation' for the post of the Vice-President,'' he claimed.

''These were ominous signs for times to come and we all must resist such moves where a person was chosen because of his religion than abilities, ''he added.

Congratulating President-elect Pratibha Patil on her becoming the 12th President of the Indian republic, Mr Togadia said he expected her to live to the true spirit of Marathas and Rajputs and send Mohammad Afzal to the gallows immediately.

''We all expect that she will sanction the hanging of Parliament attack accused Mohammad Afzal at the earliest and prove that nation was important than anything else.'' UNI