'Reservation based on religion was granted for political gains'; National Commission for Backward Classes seeks report on OBC reservation for Muslim and Christian communities in Kerala

NEW DELHI: National Commission for Backward Classes Chairman Hansraj Ahir has opposed religion-based OBC reservation for Muslim and Christian communities in Kerala. He alleged that the reservation was given to Muslim and Christian communities for political gains and not on genuine grounds. The Commission has sought a report from the state government on this matter. Ahir said the government must submit the report within 15 days.

He also stated that the state has not responded to the question of which survey was used as the basis for granting this reservation. According to Ahir, OBC reservation cannot be given solely on the basis of religion. Instead, it should be provided only to the socially and educationally backward sections within each religion. He further urged that OBC reservation should also be implemented in local body elections.