RSS is like Supreme Court to BJP : Nitish Kumar says on quota controversy
"The recent comments by RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on issue of reservation clearly shows that he thinks that present status of the reservation policy is not right," Nitish Kumar said at a press conference while announcing the list of candidates for the 'Grand Alliance,' led by his JDU.
"RSS wants an extra-constitutional committee to decide who gets quotas, who doesn't. This is a dangerous thought...RSS is Like Supreme Court for BJP," he said.
Nitish Kumar's remarks followed a recent statement made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat who, apparently supporting the job reservation demand of Gujarat's Patel community called for a panel to decide which categories require reservation and for how long.
His statement courted a vehement criticism of various political parties making the BJP to distance itself from it, saying the party does not support any reconsideration of the existing constitutional provision of reservation for the SC, ST, OBC and Extremely Backward Classes.
But quick to seize on the opportunity in poll-bound Bihar, RJD chief Lalu Prasad dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify his position on ending reservation.
The ruling JDU also said any such interference would weaken Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and backward communities.
Nitish Kumar's attempt against BJP separating itself from the RSS on the extremely touchy issue is being seen as a move to campaign among the castes and tribes benefiting from the existing reservation policy.
"We want to make it clear that development is our biggest factor for the polls but the BJP is only interested in creating divides," he said.
Nitish Kumar claimed that while preparing the list of candidates of the alliance comprising his party, RJD and the Congress, attempts were made to ensure representation all sections of society and there were no complaints within the 'Maha Gathbandhan'.
"Everybody, even Lalu ji agreed I should announce the list of the candidates...We received word from Congress last evening," he said.
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