UP adopts resolution on quota for Muslim Dalits

Amidst protests by the Bharatiya Janata Party and in the absence of the entire opposition, Uttar Pradesh assembly on Tuesday adopted a government resolution seeking a Constitutional amendment to pave the way for inclusion of Muslim and Christian Dalits in the Scheduled Caste category to give them the benefit of reservations.

BJP members vehemently opposed the resolution, alleging that it reflected "appeasement of Muslims and was aimed at gaining political mileage ahead of the next assembly polls."

BJP member Hukum Singh said the Samajwadi Party government was "perturbed by the shift of Muslim votes" and wanted to portray itself as a "messiah of the community."

It was a "conspiracy to divide the society along religious lines," he said and demanded that it be withdrawn. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Khan defended the resolution, saying that it would remove "discrimination against the Dalits in Muslims and Christians".

Congress and BSP members were not present in the House, having walked out earlier on a different issue.

Congress leader Pramod Tewari had on Monday said his party had no objection to the resolution but alleged it was intended to gain "political mileage" ahead of the polls.