Need Equal Opportunity, Not Reservation: RSS Leader Sparks Row

Rashtriya Svayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue Manmohan Vaidya today called for a reservation-free India.

RSS’ Pramukh Pracharak Manmohan Vaidya. (Photo Courtesy: Samvad)

Speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival, RSS' Pramukh Pracharak Manmohan Vaidya said that caste-based reservation acts as a hindrance to providing equal opportunities to all. He called it the reason behind separatism in India.

“Caste-based reservation in jobs and educational institutions must end soon. Everyone deserves equal opportunities,” said Vaidya.

“There should be enough opportunities for jobs and education instead of this system. It only promotes separatism,” said Vadiya, quoting BR Ambedkar.

Vaidya usually weighs his words carefully and is not known to indulge in loose talk.

Last year, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat made a similar remark ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls and it did not go well for the BJP in the elections. The statement by Vaidya comes just before the start of the Assembly elections in five states and it might be a warning for the BJP.

Assembly polls are set be held in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur.

Soon after the remarks were made various political parties reacted to it.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav took to Twitter to react.

Later, Vaidya clarified his remark. "I had said until there are differences, reservation will be there," he stated. "On religious reservation, I said it has no historical background and may encourage separatism; instead education must be promoted."