Why I Think There Should Be Reservation For Muslims In Maharashtra

I have been demanding reservations for Muslims in Maharashtra for four years. While I am happy that a committee report is leading to reservation for the Maratha community, my question to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is what about the three committee reports that have put forth that the Muslim community in the state is socially and educationally backward and that reservation should be given to them?

The Congress and NCP were in power in Maharashtra for 15 years. Prior to 2014, they gave reservation to Muslims -- 15% in jobs and 5% in education. Then as the BJP came to power, the Bombay High Court struck down the 15% reservation in jobs and the ordinance promulgating the reservation also lapsed. However, the High Court maintained that 5% reservation in education could still be given.

We say give reservation to Marathas -- we have no objection. But if the BJP government can affect an amendment on this, then why not for Muslims? When the BJP said 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas', why not consider the Rangnath Mishra committee, Sachar committee, and Mehmoodur Rehman committee reports as well?

The problem is that both Congress and BJP are anti-Muslim. They don't want them to be empowered -- educationally or politically. 

Make no mistake -- I am not asking for reservation for myself and my children. I am asking for those people who want their kids to become IAS, IPS officers and bring a good name to their country. 

The point is, three committee reports are there. Whenever assembly is in session, we have sought reservation. We have staged morchas and more. In fact, we have demanded reservation on every forum -- jobs, education, assembly, and even TV debates.