General category reservation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government’s decision to introduce a 10% reservation for economically backward classes in jobs and educational institutions has received a mixed response from political parties. Soon after the Union Cabinet approved the decision on Monday, some leaders have welcomed the move, while several others have termed the government’s decision politically motivated which is being taken with an eye on upcoming Lok Sabha polls which will take place later this year.

Randeep S Surjewala, Congress

While speaking at a press conference, Randeep Surjewala said, “100 days are left for elections and Mr Modi now remembers the economically weaker sections of the society.” “Without employment, reservation in employment will be reduced to a slogan. The youth of India is asking a question — 'Mr Modiji where are the jobs?' We will continue to support every such step. However, the truth is in the last four years Modi government is suddenly sympathetic of the economically-backward classes as it faces an imminent defeat in 2019 Lok Sabha polls,” he said.

Vijay Sampla, MoS for social justice and empowerment

Vijay Sampla was quoted as saying, “It's a historic step by Modi government. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs 8 lakhs and who possess less than five acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories.”

Abhishek Singhvi, Congress spokesperson

Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes said, "Did you (government) not think of this for 4 years and 8 months? So, obviously thought of as an election gimmick 3 months before the model code. You know you cannot exceed 50 per cent cap, so it is done only to posture that you tried an unconstitutional thing." "Government only misleading nation. Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan tried exceeding 50 per cent quota but was struck down by court. Modi, BJP clearly think Indian public eats grass," said Singhvi adding that the move was a sign of the Modi's "fear and certainty of losing 2019 elections".

D Raja, CPI

Communist Party of India's (CPI) D Raja said the move indicated the ruling BJP's desperation. "What exactly they (government) have decided we don't know. How they have defined ‘backwardness' we don't know. Already the Supreme Court has put a cap on reservation at 50 per cent. That has not been challenged by the Central government, which means the cap remains,” he said.

"So in this case, what Supreme Court is going to do we don't know. There are many questions which need to be answered. They have to come before Parliament. The BJP is desperate, it is panicking and rattled. It wants to do certain things for fear of losing vote base," added Raja.

K.T.S. Tulsi, Supreme Court advocate and nominated Rajya Sabha member

Supreme Court advocate and nominated Rajya Sabha member K.T.S. Tulsi said: "This looks like an attempt in the direction of abolishing the entire reservation system."

Yashwant Sinha, Former Union Finance Minister 

Former Union Finance Minister Yahswant Sinha dubbed the move as "jumla" (fake promise). “The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed,” he said.

Shiv Pratap Shukl, BJP

BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla, said the move was not aimed at placating the upper caste. "This is not an attempt to placate the upper castes. We are trying to give them their right. We are not doing a favour to them. It is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's motto of ‘sabka sath, sabka vikas'. "Those who do not want to get this bill passed in Parliament may go ahead. We will try to get this bill passed," he said.

Harish Rawat, Congress

Congress leader Harish Rawat said, "Congress on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes: 'Bohot der kar di meherbaan aate aate', that also when elections are around the corner. No matter what they do, what 'jumlas' (slogans) they give, nothing is going to save this Govt."

Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said the Constitution doesnt permit reservations on economic grounds. "Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice. The Constitution doesn’t permit reservations on economic grounds," he said.

Shandilya Giriraj Singh, MoS

Shandilya Giriraj Singh said, "Our honourable Narendra Modi ji has today changed the history of the country. Always dedicated for the upliftment of the poor, NaMo is now going to give reservation to economically poor upper castes. Now is the time for the poor to come out of the darkness and fulfil their dreams. The government will give you opportunity; you will achieve the goals on your own. We have complete trust. A thousand thanks to NaMo."