Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday accused the BJP government of weakening the constitutional reservation system.
He said people are being forced to approach courts to secure their rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, Akhilesh Yadav released a document titled “PDA Audit” related to the “loot of reservations.” He said that this report will be updated with more data and facts.
Taking a swipe at the BJP, the SP chief said that if students and candidates have to approach courts to enforce constitutional provisions, it becomes clear that the government is biased.
He said, “If we have to approach the courts for constitutional rights, it means the government is biased. And those who are biased are also unfaithful. Prejudice in itself is injustice because it takes away rights.”
The SP president described reservation as a means of social justice and equality. He said, “Reservation is protection. It is also a tool and medium of social coordination. Reservation is not a charity, it is a right.”
He said that reservation is necessary to ensure social and political representation, as well as to protect democracy. The SP president alleged that attempts are being made to weaken reservation through mechanisms like ‘lateral entry’ appointments.
He claimed that through lateral entry—a process where individuals from outside the government are directly appointed to mid- and senior-level bureaucratic positions— preferred candidates are being accommodated through the back door to gradually phase out the demand for reservation.
Referring to the BJP government’s bulldozer action, Akhilesh Yadav quipped, “If the BJP government wants to use bulldozers, they should use them to level the uneven ground of inequality and provide everyone their due reservation.”
Referring to the BJP government’s bulldozer action, Akhilesh Yadav quipped, “If the BJP government wants to use bulldozers, it should use them to level the uneven ground of inequality and provide everyone with their due reservation.”
He also accused the BJP of engaging in “dishonesty” regarding constitutional reservations, stating that the ruling party does not want equal opportunities for the underprivileged sections of society.