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BJP seeks commission to define EBCs

By Sunny Sebastian

JAIPUR May 25 . Not to be left behind the Congress on the reservation issue, the Bharatiya Janata Party today passed a resolution requesting the Central Government to appoint a commission to define "economically backward classes" (EBCs). It also sought a consensus among the political parties on the issue of reservation to the category, as it involved a Constitutional amendment.

The resolution, passed at the one-day meeting of the national office-bearers of the BJP, in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, said the sections not covered under the reserved categories needed "special treatment". "The BJP is of the firm opinion that without diluting the reservation quota for the SCs, STs, and OBCs, a quota should also be provided for the EBCs."

The passage of the resolution was preceded by an hour-long talk between the BJP general-secretary, Pramod Mahajan, and representatives of the Social Justice Front, which is spearheading the agitation in Rajasthan for reservation for the economically weak among the upper castes.

The SJF leaders also held discussions with the Union Agriculture Minister, Rajnath Singh, who as the Chief Minister of U.P. had put forth the "Rajnath formula", which advocated a division among the backward classes for the purpose of reservations.

"The BJP opines that the existing reservation should not only continue but be implemented in letter and spirit. After the Mandal Commission, we all are committed to reservation for the OBCs. We should also implement this reservation in the same spirit," the resolution said.

Mediapersons' queried whether the BJP action was prompted by the Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot's announcement that 14 per cent reservation should be provided for the poor among the upper castes piqued Mr. Mahajan.

"Mr. Gehlot's statement was a stunt. He has no political commitment. Otherwise he would have convinced his 15 colleagues in the other States prior to his announcement. It is a national issue. Not for him to decide," Mr. Mahajan said, while terming the move by the Rajasthan Government a "knee-jerk reaction".

"Such things should be decided after proper studies and assessment. What made Mr. Gehlot say that the economically poor among the upper castes should be given 14 per cent reservation? Did he have a dream the previous night on the quantum of reservation," Mr. Mahajan asked? He expressed the hope that a commission would be set up by the Centre soon.

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