Modi cabinet approves 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker upper castes, opposition leaders, Yashwant Sinha express concern

The constitutional amendment bill might be moved on Tuesday.

Sources told NDTV the cabinet has approved a quota in direct recruitment and for admission in higher educational institutions.

The decision, say sources, is in line with the view of its ideological mentor RSS or Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that reservation should be along economic lines and not just based on caste.

Oppositions react:

The Congress party questioned the timing of the move made by the Centre.

In a tweet, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said: "See last two tweets re reservation 4forwards? Qs—did u nt think of this for 4 yrs 8 mths? so obviously thought of as election gimmick 3mths b4 model code! (3) u know u cannot exceed 50% maxima so it is done only to posture tht u tried unctal thing (4) do u hv majority 4ctal am?."

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said: "Reservation for economically backward upper castes. The bugle announcing the elections has well & truly sounded."

Yashwant Sinha expresses opposition:

Yashwant Sinha, former Finance Minister and Minister of External Affairs and a ex-BJP leader, however, called the move as a 'jumla' or a false promise.

"The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed," Sinha tweeted.

Sinha has often criticised Narendra Modi and his government over its policies.