Saharanpur:
In an indication of Congress strategy to aggressively woo minority voters in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi today attacked BSP and SP for their "changing" stance on the issue of Muslim reservation.
Addressing a public rally in this minority-dominated district, Gandhi said that it was Congress which initiated the move for reservation for Muslims as it felt that they were not getting adequate opportunities.
"We implemented the Sachar Commission report which pointed out that minorities are not being able to participate adequately in the development process. Then we initiated the move for reservation. Prime Minister also took initiative. This will give you representation in education and jobs. We did it because we feel that we want to connect you," said Gandhi.
Targeting Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav over the issue, he said they were in power in the state for a long time but made no such effort.
"Mayawati did nothing in five years. Mulayam Singh also made no effort. Now Mayawati says that we have asked the Centre to bring reservation.
"When the Prime Minister said there will be reservations (for minorities) then Mulayam Singh Yadav commented it is less. When you were Chief Minister why did you not do any such thing," Gandhi said.
The AICC general secretary also dared the SP chief to mention in his party's manifesto that he favours 18 per cent reservation for Muslims, as he is now saying.
"He will never do it. When asked by the scribes about reservation for Muslims, Mulayam Singh Yadav had maintained complete silence. He threw away Rashid Masood (former SP vice president) when he demanded reservation for Muslims. He (Mulayam) talks about you, but embraced Kalyan Singh to get benefit in elections," Gandhi said.