New Delhi: C.S. Dwarkanath, former president of Karnataka’s backward classes commission, said “the prime minister and the chairman of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) have joined efforts in misguiding the backward classes, a deplorable action.”
Dwarkanath said it was the ‘backward classes’ and not the ‘backward castes’ or ‘backward religions’ commission and that the PM and the NCBC chairman should know that.
Modi-speak
During an election speech in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Congress government in Karnataka had reduced reservations for backwards by introducing reservations for Muslims under the OBC category, with plans to extend it nationwide.
NCBC chairman Hansraj Gangaram Ahir echoed Modi’s statement in a press release.
Dwarkanath said this only showed their “ignorance.”
He said in a statement that “in their rush to pitch backward classes against Muslims, they resorted to falsehoods”.
“Historically, various commissions, from the pre-independence ‘Miller Commission’ to post-independence ones like the Chinnappa Reddy Commission and Venkataswamy Commission, have recognised Muslims as “backward classes” in Karnataka,” Dwarkanath said.
He continued: “Notably, Muslims, along with other religious minorities like Christians, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs, are included in the list of backward classes.
“[Devaraj] Urs included the Muslim community in the list of backward classes, and Veerappa Moily granted 4% reservation to the Muslim community.”
The former head of the Karnataka backward classes commission said that claims by ex-PM and ex-Karnataka CM H.D. Deve Gowda regarding implementing Muslim reservations are “also false”.
Article 15(4) and Article 16(4)
He cited Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the constitution, where socially and educationally backward persons are recognised as backward classes, focusing on class rather than caste, creed or religion.
Hence, the term “Backward Classes Commission” is used, not “Backward Castes” or “Backward religions” commission.
Dwarkanath said Ahir’s statement was of graver concern.
“The prime minister often uses derogatory language for effect, which is not taken seriously. However, it is unacceptable that the chairman of the [NCBC] appeared unprepared and uninformed about reservation matters during a press meet.
“The national commission and the Karnataka state backward classes commission are independent entities, not under anyone’s control. We assert our autonomy and independence, clarifying that we are not subservient to any authority.
“Both Modi and Ahir could have sought knowledgeable assistance to maintain the dignity of their positions, but they failed to do so.”
Dwarkanath joined the Congress in August 2021.
