Govt insincere, fooling Marathas with quota promise: Ambedkar

This new tactic will not stand judicial scrutiny as a Supreme Court judgment does not allow reservation in a state to exceed 50%. How can any lower court allow it? PRAKASH AMBEDKAR , Dalit leader

MUMBAI: Terming the state’s promise of providing reservation to Marathas an election stunt, Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar on Monday said the government was “insincere to the cause and was only fooling the community”.

The Maharashtra cabinet on Sunday gave a nod to provide reservation to Marathas in educational institutions and government jobs.

The bill is likely to be moved in the state Assembly during the winter session that started on Monday.

“This new tactic will not stand judicial scrutiny as a Supreme Court judgment does not allow reservation in a state to exceed 50%. How can any lower court allow it,” asked Ambedkar, adding, “The previous bill passed by the state to give quota to the community has already been stayed by the Bombay high court.”

Ambedkar said only the Centre can resolve this impasse. “The Central Government can pass a law to allow states to give reservations up to 70 %.” Ambedkar disputed the state’s contention that it would follow the Tamil Nadu pattern, where 68% seats in educational institutes and public sector jobs go to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes and other groups.

“The Tamil Nadu government did their homework before approaching the Centre. The Central government also reacted to the proposal quickly. However, the state seems to be ill prepared,” he said.