BJP to oppose reservation for those undergoing reservation:Gehlot

Bhopal, May 19 (UNI) Strongly opposing the proposal to provide reservation to those converting to Christianity, BJP General Secretary Thawarchand Gehlot today said the party would take to streets against the proposal.

Talking to reporters after the BJP SC Morcha executive meeting here, Mr Gehlot said the Centre can not provide more than 50 per cent reservation as per the Constitution. Provision for reservation for those undergoing conversion would affect reservation of Scheduled Caste people.

''The proposal of the Centre will encourage conversion and could lead to class conflict,'' he said, adding that his party always favoured creating an equanimous society.

He said the BJP had already staged a demonstration to protest against the proposal. The party would take to streets if the Centre does not budge and ensure rights for real beneficiaries of SC community.

Replying to a question, he said the BJP gave adequate importance to people of SC community. He was an example of this fact.

In response to another question, he said details of 15 years would be enough for caste certificate for SC people in Madhya Pradesh. A provision has been made to provide caste certificate within three months of application.

Earlier, Mr Gehlot addressed the meeting. On the occasion, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said more work has been done for SC people carried out in the past four years than done after independence. A special package would be announced next week for providing employment-oriented education and economic rehabilitation.

State BJP President Narendra Singh Tomar said a widespread signature campaign has started against rising inflation in the country. All party workers have to get together and work in this campaign.

UNI AKS-PS 1936