Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Says New Govt In Maharashtra Will Give Muslim Quota

In the midst of a political clash between the BJP and Congress over Muslim reservations in Maharashtra, Congress leader and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy addressed the issue. He stated that it would be tackled after the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) assumes power following the November 20 elections. Reddy highlighted Telangana's Muslim reservations as an example, emphasizing Congress's duty to ensure justice for the underprivileged.

During a recent election rally in Maharashtra, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge of meeting with Muslim scholars who requested a 10 percent reservation for their community. Shah claimed that Congress agreed to this demand. However, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole dismissed Shah's claims, stating that MVA is focused on core issues and won't engage in divisive narratives.

Political Tensions Over Reservations

The topic of reservation has become central to the Maharashtra elections, with BJP leaders opposing calls for Muslim reservations, which were abolished in 2021. Revanth Reddy mentioned that once they form the government in Maharashtra, they will revisit the issue. He pointed out that Telangana had implemented a 4 percent reservation after reducing it from 5 percent due to a Supreme Court order.

Reddy elaborated on Telangana's experience by noting that during a teacher recruitment drive involving 11,000 positions, 720 Muslims were hired under the reservation policy. He stressed that it is Congress's responsibility to support those who are economically disadvantaged and require assistance.

Election Dynamics and Allegations

Amit Shah argued that granting reservations to Muslims would necessitate reducing quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). He asserted, "Rahul Baba, not only you but even if your four generations were to come, they cannot cut the quota meant for SCs, STs, and OBCs and give it to Muslims."

Maharashtra is preparing for assembly elections on November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. The political atmosphere remains charged as parties debate reservation policies and their implications on various communities.

The ongoing debate highlights differing perspectives on how best to address social justice through reservations. As political parties continue their campaigns, these discussions are likely to influence voter sentiments ahead of the upcoming elections.