KCR: Like statehood, I will get Muslim quota

CM certain Modi will oblige on 12% reservations

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday expressed confidence that he would secure 12 per cent quota for Muslims in education and employment in the same manner in which he had achieved statehood for Telangana.

He said, “When I started the statehood movement in 2001, everyone used to say it was impossible. But they were proved wrong. In the same way, doubts are being raised that it is not possible to secure 12 per cent quota for Muslims against the directions of Supreme Court’s cap of 50 per cent. I am confident that this too will be achieved soon.”

He said that since Tamil Nadu was allowed to implement quotas above the SC limit of 50 per cent, TS too would get the relaxation with the cooperation of the Centre.

Speaking in the Assembly, Mr Rao said he had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on two or three occasions after the TS Legislature passed the Reservation Bill last year enhancing quota for Muslims and STs and briefed him about the need for Centre to approve the law based on the social and economic backwardness of the community.

“The PM responded positively and promised to consider it favourably at an appropriate time. I have full faith in him,” Mr Rao said

The Chief Minister said he had requested Mr Modi to leave the decision on reservations in states to the respective governments and that the Centre should not intervene in this.

"Each state has different composition of religions and castes and their own social and economic problems. There should be flexibility for states to take a decision on reservations in jobs and education provided by state governments. The PM has responded positively and assured to take steps in this direction. But due to consecutive elections in various states since then, it got delayed," Mr Rao added.

Mr Rao said he had requested Mr Modi to approve the TS Reservations Act and include it in the IX Schedule of the Constitution to provide legal cover along the lines of Tamil Nadu.

Each state has a different composition of religions and castes and its own social and economic problems. There should be flexibility for states to take a decision on reservations. — K. CHANDRASEKHAR RAO TS Chief Minister