Keywords: Social Justice, Appeasement, Reservation for Muslims, BJP, NDTV

Keywords: Social Justice, Appeasement, Reservation for Muslims, BJP, NDTV

Social Justice, Not Appeasement: Key BJP Ally On Reservation For Muslims – NDTV

A key ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has opposed the demand for reservation for Muslims, asserting that social justice should not be equated with appeasement.

The Apna Dal (Sonelal), a prominent party representing the backward castes in Uttar Pradesh, has said that giving reservations to Muslims would be a “wrong step”.

“We are not in favour of reservation for Muslims,” said Anupriya Patel, the Apna Dal (Sonelal) chief and Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry.

“Social justice should not be used as an excuse for appeasement,” she told NDTV.

Patel said that reservation should be based on socio-economic backwardness, not religion. “If you’re poor, you should get reservation, irrespective of your religion,” she said.

The demand for reservation for Muslims has been raised by various sections within the community, who argue that they face educational and economic backwardness.

However, the BJP has consistently opposed the demand, saying that it would violate the principle of equality enshrined in the Constitution.

The Supreme Court has also ruled that reservation based on religion is unconstitutional.

The Apna Dal (Sonelal)’s opposition to the demand for Muslim reservation is a setback for those who have been advocating it. It also reflects the BJP’s firm stance on the issue.