Cong plans religion-based quota: PM

Bellary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday accused the Congress of planning religion-based reservations in the country for the sake of vote bank politics, but asserted that he will not let this happen. He said this Congress proposal is aimed at appeasing minorities as the SC/ST and OBC community are now joining the BJP.

“In Karnataka, the Congress has started a campaign to change the Constitution and snatch the rights of SC/ST and OBCs. Our Constitution does not accept reservations based on religion. But the Karnataka government has given some OBC reservation to Muslims,” Modi said.

Talking about a mega election rally here, Modi said, “They (Congress) will not settle for this. They had also said earlier in their manifesto that they would come up with a law allowing religion-based reservations. This time there is a similar signal in their manifesto.”

“I want to make my Dalit, SC/ST and OBC brothers and sisters aware of the intentions of the Congress. These people on the basis of religion, to keep their vote bank safe, are planning to plunder your right which was given by Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Constitution,” he added.

Veteran BJP leader BS Yediyurappa, BJP candidates and MPs from Bagalkote (Bagalkot) and Vijayapura (Bijapur) – PC Gaddigoudar and Ramesh Jigajinagi respectively – were among those present at the meeting.

Noting that most of the SC, ST and OBC MPs in Parliament are from the BJP, Modi said, “So they feel that SC, ST and OBC belong to the BJP. To gain the trust of minorities, they want to plunder from SC, ST and OBC and give it to minorities. Will you let this happen?”

“Today I want to assure my Dalit, Adivasi and OBC brothers and sisters. I will not allow such intentions of Congress to succeed. To protect your rights, Modi will go to any lengths to protect your reservation. I assure you this,” he added.