Mayawati seeks quota for Muslims

Says even 64 years after Independence, the community remains backward

As the race to woo the Muslim voter ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections next year moved into top gear, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has demanded reservation for Muslims in accordance with their population.

Ms. Mayawati has said that if a qualitative change has to be brought in their socio-economic condition, there is an urgent need to provide jobs and create opportunities in the field of education and other spheres of life.

In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday, she urged the United Progressive Alliance government to provide reservation to the minorities, especially the Muslims, in accordance with their numbers.