Congress confident about its victory in UP: Salman Khursheed

Bareilly, Jan 11: The Election Commissioner issued a show-cause notice against Union Law Minister Salman Khursheed for his statement that said Congress would provide nine per-cent reservation to the minorities within 27 percent for the other backward classes. Salman Khursheed on Wednesday said that Congress is confident about its victory in Uttar Pradesh. He also appreciated Rahul Gandhi's campaign as he thinks that his campaign will help Congress to win.

BJP had filed a formal complaint against Khursheed for his statement in election rally in Uttar Pradesh.

Defending his speech, Khursheed said that he has not violated any code of conduct. Asking the election commissioner chief regarding the sub-quota issue, Khursheed said, "The Sachar Committee and the Ranganath Misra Commission have recommended 8.5 per cent quota for Muslims. What is wrong if I talk about nine per cent reservation for them? I have not violated the model code of conduct. I have a right to put forth my view. It should reach the people. It means that we should not bring out a manifesto, not deliver a speech and sit back at home and elections should be held without all these?"

Due to his speech, the Election Commissioner has also issued a notice to Khursheed's wife Louise Khursheed, who is a Congress candidate contesting from Farrukhabad.

As election is coming up in the five states including Uttar Pradesh, such announcemnts and policy decision might influence voters in the ruling party's favour which are not allowed.

Congress has backed his statement. "What Salman Khurshid has said is right. The party could increase the sub-quota for backward Muslims within the existing OBC quota in UP in the event of its forming the government in the state," said Rashid Alvi, Congress spokesperson.

OneIndia News