UP Election office's has issued a show-cause on Cong nominee Louise
Khurshid over Law minister Salman Khurshid's promise for 9 per cent
quota to Muslims.
Khurshid's promise to provide nine per cent sub-quota for backward
Muslims if voted to power in UP has evoked sharp reactions from BJP,
which took it up with the Election Commission saying it was a
'violation' of the model code of conduct.
Khurshid hit back, saying that while the BJP talks of building Ram
Temple, he was only referring to the party's election manifesto.
A BJP delegation led by its vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said,
'the Congress is trying to create communal tension in Uttar Pradesh
and country by announcing rise in the sub-quota for Muslims. The
announcement made by Law Minister is in violation of the model code of
conduct and is unconstitutional'.
"We will not allow anyone to snatch or grab away the rights of
backward classes. BJP will not allow the Congress or BSP to play the
caste card and try to divide the public on the basis of caste and
religion".
Khurshid rejected the BJP'as claim, saying such a scheme has been
already implemented in Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
"It means that we should not bring out a manifesto, not deliver a
speech and sit back at home and elections should be held without all
these...They can talk of building Ram Temple and we are only referring
to a provision which is already there," said Khurshid.
When pointed out that a similar scheme was introduced by Bihar Chief
Minister Nitish Kumar, Khurshid said then BJP should first complain to
its ally on the issue.
"He is the chief minister of a state and he understands the ground
reality and we want to do the same in Uttar Pradesh."