Sidda counters Modi, says people of all religions eligible for quota

BELAGAVI: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah pushed back on Tuesday against PM Narendra Modi 's pitch that reservation can't be based on religion , saying eligibility extends to all socially and educationally backward families, regardless of their "Christian, Muslim, Jain or Sikh" faith. His remarks came in response to Modi's claims during rallies in Karnataka, where he suggested that Congress intends to divert quotas meant for OBCs, SCs and STs to Muslims, reports Ravindra Uppar.

Addressing a rally in Gokak, Siddaramaiah highlighted Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution, saying they do not specify any religion or caste for OBC reservation. He reiterated that the decision to allocate 4% reservation for Muslims in Karnataka was made in 1994 by the then CM H D Deve Gowda of JD(S). The CM accused Modi govt of spreading falsehoods about reservation to sow confusion among voters.