PM Modi on Muslim quota: 'Reservations can't be on the basis of religion'

The Prime Minister said the poor, which include Hindus, Christians, Parsis as well, should get reservations.

In an interview with Times Now, Modi said as quoted by several media, "I have never said that Muslims won't get reservations. All I'm saying is that religion cannot be the basis of providing reservation. Poor in the country include all Hindus, Christians, and Parsis; all should get the benefits of reservations.

"Dalits and tribals for long have faced injustice for thousands of years, and there is a special reason that the makers of our constitution have taken the right decision, and we are grateful for that. No political party opposes this."

The Prime Minister said, "When the Constitution was written at that time, leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Rajendra Babu were all there; there was no one from the RSS or BJP and there were also representatives from all communities.

"After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that reservation based on religion would be detrimental to society and would not be good for the long term. Social evils were faced by communities of tribals and Dalits for years."

"Untouchability and discrimination took place. Injustice was done to a very large section of society on the basis of birth. It was necessary to undo the wrongs, and it is important to note that this was done by Sanatanis, apart from Nehru ji, who may think of himself above them," he added.

While Modi pitches against quota based on religion, his party BJP's Andhra Pradesh ally, TDP has promised giving 4 percent reservation to the Muslim community of the state.

"From the beginning, we are supporting a four per cent reservation for Muslims and that will continue," TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said as quoted by India Today.