In a move that could upset calculations for the next Assembly elections, UP chief minister Mayawati s panning to announce reservation for dalit Muslims and most backward Muslims.
The proposal, according to highly placed sources, is already under “active consideration” of the state government and legal opinions are being sought for the manner of implementation.
The chief minister apparently wants to upstage his political rivals — mainly Samajwadi party and the Congress — and turn the Muslim votes in her favour.
The chief minister, sources said, is aware of the Andhra Pradesh high court ruling in exceeding the 50 per cent limit but is nevertheless determined to go ahead with her decision.
“The idea is to announce the implementation for reservation for dalit and most backward Muslims and then fight a political battle on the issue. This will benefit the BSP in the coming elections and also expose other rival parties if they dare to oppose the move,” said a senior BSP leader.
The Mayawati government, however, is not too keen on the idea of announcing reservation for most backward Muslims within the OBC quota of 27 since that would annoy the OBCs and give other political parties, particularly the Samajwadi party, to polarise OBCs against the BSP.
The chief minister, therefore, wants to announce reservation without disturbing the existing slots.
Party strategists in the BSP feel that the party can repeat its 2007 performance and return to power if it ensures its vote base among Muslims.
“We are not too confident of upper caste support this time and Muslims will more than make up for the loss, if any. If the decision for reservation to the most back ward and dalit Muslims does get challenged in the court, the BSP will not be blamed and we can impress upon Muslims that the BSP is concerned about their welfare,” said a party functionary.