Chandauli, April 16: Political rhetoric has intensified amid a three-day special parliamentary session called by the central government to discuss the Women’s Reservation Bill. Following a plea by Samajwadi Party president and Lok Sabha MP Akhilesh Yadav for Muslim reservation, Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad responded sharply.
In an interview, Nishad stated, “At the time of India’s independence, Congress issued a notification clearly stating that reservations would only be available to Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs residing in India. Christians and Muslims were excluded as they were considered foreign religions.”
Nishad further emphasized, “Opposition leaders should raise the voices of the backward classes. There are 578 backward castes in the country, 60 percent of whom are landless. These poor and marginalized individuals need representation. Those with nothing should contest elections and reach Parliament. The most affected are those who suffered under British laws, particularly the Nishad community, followed by Rajbhar, Teli, carpenter, and blacksmith communities. These backward castes deserve reservation.”
He added, “Congress excluded Muslims and Christians from reservations because they were deemed foreign religions. The original religions of this country are Buddhism, Sikhism, and Hinduism. Why should those of the religions of the Mughals and British, against whom our ancestors fought for freedom, receive reservations? They should first return to their original faith.”
Nishad questioned the Samajwadi Party, saying, “If the SP is advocating for the Muslim population, who will raise the voice for the backward classes? Today, Muslims are blindly waving flags and enduring hardships. The SP should first ask Congress why they kept Muslims away from reservations.”
He clarified that while discussions are ongoing regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill, the opposition should not overlook the backward classes by solely focusing on Muslim reservations. True social justice can only be achieved when the rights of the genuinely backward and landless classes are recognized.
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