Lalu bats for Manmohan against DMK-PMK

NEW DELHI: Sharp divisions in the UPA on the roadmap for implementation of OBC quota was once again visible with the DMK leader sending a delegation of Central ministers and party MPs to the prime minister to reiterate its “reservation in one go” demand and RJD chief Lalu Yadav supporting the prime minister’s proposal for phased implementation of the new reservation regime.

While Mr Yadav on Thursday backed the proposal to implement 27% reservation for OBCs in phases, DMK leaders insisted that it should be immediately notified. “I am of the firm opinion that if these demands (implementation of quota in phases and weeding out of the creamy layer) are accepted, it would amount to preferentially empowering the empowered at the cost of oppressing the oppressed.

It is strange to note that the creamy layer concept is not applied for the unreserved category till date. These demands are unconstitutional and unethical,” DMK chief M Karunanidhi said in a letter to the prime minister.

But Union railway minister came upfront to defend the quota moves by the prime minister and dismissed quota hawk, PMK leader S Ramadoss’ charge that he was “vacillating” on the issue. Mr Yadav, who put the “consensus” foot forward, said there was need for a consensus on the issue and that there should be greater appreciation for the concerns raised by the prime minister. Mr Yadav’s intervention is a setback for the quota enthusiasts within the government who have been using the issue to re-define power equations in the ruling arrangement.

Mr Yadav’s assertions has also dented Mr Ramadoss’ plans to claim the authorship of the bill. The PMK leader’s proactive moves have been prompting DMK leader M Karunanidhi to up the ante on the issue. Mr Yadav, who sent out a “don’t-teach-me-social-justice” message to the Tamil parties, said no one has any doubt about his party’s credentials.

Reacting to Ramadoss’ charge that he was vacillating, the RJD chief said that his party was part of the government and “we have to understand the difficulties of the government. We all are part of the UPA government and should talk among ourselves to reach a consensus on any issue”.

He said the PMK chief had met him and discussed the issue. “The prime minister says that it would be difficult to implement the scheme in one phase and could be implemented in phases. And everyone in the alliance should work for forging a consensus,” he said.

The railway minister also rejected Ramadoss’ view that he (Prasad) has created confusion by saying that he was not forthcoming on the issue. “We are for reservation. We don’t need any certificate from anybody. Ramadoss has given Certificate to JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav, who is aligning with those who have opposed OBC reservation inside and outside Parliament”, he said.

Mr Yadav said the PMK chief’s statement was not going to help the cause of reservation. “Perhaps, he is facing problems on the home turf from his political rivals and that is why he is speaking like that”.

After a meeting with the prime minister last week on the issue, Mr Yadav said his party would support whatever decision the government took on implementation of the new reservation proposal.