On Wednesday(22nd May),PM Modi criticizes opposition parties for rampant appeasement politics following the Calcutta High Court’s annulment of OBC status in West Bengal since 2010, highlighting the court’s rebuke to the INDI alliance for allegedly distributing OBC status to the Muslim community for electoral gains.
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DELHI: On Wednesday(22nd May), Prime Minister Narendra Modi escalated his criticism of opposition parties, characterizing the recent decision by the Calcutta High Court to revoke the OBC status granted since 2010 in West Bengal as a strong condemnation of those involved in widespread appeasement politics.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Dwarka, located within the West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency, Modi strongly stated-
“The Calcutta High Court’s ruling deals a severe blow to the INDI alliance. It was prompted by the West Bengal government’s arbitrary extension of OBC status to the Muslim community for political advantage.”
further stating-
“This reflects the egregious nature of appeasement politics. Today, the court has firmly reprimanded those involved.”
Further elaborating on his point, Modi criticized certain influential groups within the capital, saying-
“My friends, these members of the Khan Market gang are equally complicit in this wrongdoing… They advocate that the Muslim community should have the primary claim on the country’s resources… They’re the ones who have allocated government land to the Waqf Board and solicit votes in its favor.”
The discourse extended to policy recommendations by the same factions, as Modi pointed out-
“The same group of individuals has advocated for allocating 15% of the budget to the Muslim community and has proposed that the community should receive priority in the allocation of loans and tenders for government contracts.”
Echoing Modi’s sentiments, Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT department, voiced his concern about the reactions from West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.
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Malviya remarked-
“Jolted by the Calcutta High Court’s ruling, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee appears to be steering towards a constitutional showdown. She has rejected the verdict and launched an assault on the judges, labeling it a ‘BJP order’ and pledging to uphold the reservation. While she can contest the order in the Supreme Court, her defiant stance reveals her anti-OBC stance. It suggests she’s willing to flout constitutional norms for political ends, advocating for religion-based, unlawful reservation for Muslims.”
The Calcutta High Court’s decision was explicit in canceling all OBC certificates issued in West Bengal since 2010, stating that the invalidated certificates could not be employed in any future employment processes. This ruling was met with approval from both the BJP and CPM, highlighting the widespread political ramifications of the decision.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also commented on the matter, appreciating the High Court’s firm stance:
“The High Court’s directive to cancel OBC reservation certificates issued by Mamata’s government to 118 Muslim castes without proper assessment deprives the backward classes in West Bengal of their rights. I applaud this decision. Mamata’s government’s policy of appeasement and its anti-caste image have been laid bare for all to see. Disregarding the High Court’s order constitutes contempt of court. The BJP will not stand for Trinamool’s infringement upon the rights of backward communities.”
On her part, Mamata Banerjee responded defiantly from a public meeting in Panihati, challenging the court’s verdict and signaling her unwillingness to comply.
“I don’t agree with this ruling. OBC reservation stays in our state and won’t change. They misunderstand me. I won’t give in easily. Why shouldn’t Muslims have chances in reserved jobs? They deserve it too. Modi is risking trouble. They want to cancel the quotas, but I won’t let that happen. This ruling seems like it’s to please Modi. I’ll fight against it and take it to higher courts if needed.”
Mohammad Saleem, the State Secretary of CPM, also weighed in, endorsing the original intention behind the reservation.
He stated-
“Following the Ranganath Mishra Commission’s recommendations, the Left government initially allocated 17 percent of reservation for OBCs nationwide. This included minorities, especially Muslims facing economic, social, and educational challenges, ensuring their access to reserved seats in education and employment. The recent court ruling acknowledges the previous decision of the Left government. However, since Mamata assumed power, OBC reservation in the state has been abolished. The law was disregarded, and certificates were distributed without proper scrutiny. The High Court’s verdict reflects the consequences of Mamata’s politically motivated actions, disregarding constitutional principles.”
