Uproar in Maharashtra Council over no reservation to Muslims
Nagpur: Maharashtra Legislative Council today witnessed uproarious scenes on the issue of Muslims not being provided reservation in education and government jobs, leading to an adjournment of the Upper House twice.
During Question Hour, Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde raised the issue of reservation for Muslims and said that the government should consider it alongwith quota for the Maratha community.
The state Assembly had yesterday passed a Bill providing 16 per cent reservation for the Maratha community in education and government jobs, but it left out the Muslims.
Manikrao Thakre (of Congress) said that the government should today pass an ordinance to protect the interests of Muslim children.
The government must give reservation to Muslim community, he said.
In the meantime, the Congress and NCP members came into the Well of the House and started supporting the demand.
Chairperson Shivajirao Deshmukh then adjourned the House for 25 minutes.
After the House reassembled, Chairperson Ramnath Motey sought to take up the Question Hour.
But, again the opposition members marched into the Well and raised the demand for reservation to Muslims.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Girish Bapat tried to intervene and said, “Just listen, what is the stand of the government.”
But, the opposition members appeared in no mood to listen and stood firm on their demand.
The Chairperson then again adjourned the House for 55 minutes.
PTI