Opposition Terms Mohan Bhagwat's Reservation Remark As Anti Dalit-Backward Face Of RSS, BJP

While alleging that the statement by the RSS shows its 'anti Dalit-backward face', Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that the intention was to attack on the rights of the poor.

BSP chief Mayawati asked the RSS to shed its anti-reservation mindset. (File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: Hours after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said that there should be a conversation in a harmonious atmosphere between those in favour of reservation and those against it, Opposition parties have raised objections regarding the same and said that such a debate would generate a dangerous situation of doubt which was not needed. While alleging that the statement by the RSS shows its 'anti Dalit-backward face', Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that the intention was to attack on the rights of the poor, trampling on constitutional rights and snatching the rights of Dalits-backwards is the real agenda of RSS and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "The anti Dalit-backward face of the RSS-BJP has been exposed. The conspiracy to end reservation for the poor and the policy of changing the Constitution have been uncovered," Surjewala said in a series of tweets in Hindi.  Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, senior Congress leader PL Punia said, "Baba Saheb BR Ambedkar believed that socio-economic inequality would be a challenge. Thus reservation was brought in place for the same reason." "But the BJP has always been trying to change the Constitution. They always advocate abolishing the Constitution. Now they want to debate reservation," he said. Punia further added that the BJP tried to end reservations in educational institutions and that it also played an important role in weakening the SC/ST Act. Slamming the government, Punia said, "Ending reservation is a well-planned strategy of the BJP and the RSS. They want to end reservations in the backdrop of discussions, which is condemnable and shows their ill thoughts."

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Even Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati asked the RSS to shed its anti-reservation mindset, saying reservation was a constitutional provision and disturbing it would be an injustice. In a tweet, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said, "The RSS saying that there should be open-hearted debate pertaining to reservation given to SC/ST/OBC, generates dangerous situation of doubt, which is not at all needed". She also said, "Reservation is a humanitarian and constitutional provision, and disturbing it is injustice and improper. It would be better if the Sangh sheds its anti-reservation mindset." The remarks from two of the main Opposition parties came a day after RSS chief stirred a row after he said that there should be a conversation in a harmonious atmosphere between those in favour of reservations and those against it. Those who favour reservation should speak keeping in mind the interests of those who are against it, and similarly those who oppose it should do the same, Bhagwat had said. Earlier also he had advocated a review of the reservation policy, drawing sharp reactions from many parties. However, Bhagwat had also clarified that the RSS, the BJP and the party-led government were three different entities and one cannot be held responsible for the actions of another. Talking about the perception of the Sangh’s influence over the Narendra Modi dispensation, he said, “Since there are Sangh workers in the BJP and this government, they will listen to the RSS, but it is not mandatory for them to agree with us. They can disagree as well.” Since the BJP is in government, it has to look at the bigger picture and can disagree with the RSS point of view, Bhagwat said, adding that once a party comes to power, for it the government and national interest become priority.