Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister and Lok Janshakti Party leader Ram Vilas Paswan on Tuesday reacted to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s comments on reservation by asserting that there was no scope for a debate on reservation as it was a constitutional right.
“I am not aware of exactly what Bhagwatji said. But as far as reservation is concerned the Narendra Modi government is committed to it,” Mr. Paswan said. “In fact, we walked an extra mile by providing reservation to the economically backward among the non-reserved category too. It’s a constitutional right and will not be tampered with,” he added.
On Sunday, Mr. Bhagwat said there should be a conversation in a harmonious atmosphere between those favouring reservation and those opposing 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, he had said.
Mr. Paswan also asserted that the Congress and other opposition parties were merely ‘playing politics’ over the issue by trying to stoke ‘unnecessary controversy’.
“The Sangh has already issued a clarification on the issue. They have unequivocally said that they support the reservation policy,” Mr. Paswan added.
