Mayawati writes to PM Manmohan Singh, demands reservation for minorities

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati today requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to provide reservation to minorities, especially Muslims, in accordance with their population.

"In order to provide reservation to Muslims so as to give them opportunities in accordance with their population, consideration can be given for required provision in the Constitution through an amendment on which my government is committed to provide complete support," Mayawati said in a letter to the prime minister.

Mayawati said she was of the firm belief that if the condition of minorities, especially Muslims, has to improve then there is an urgent need to increase opportunities for them in education, employment and other walks of life.

"Even after 64 years of independence, religious minorities, especially Muslims, are still backward and this has also been mentioned in the Sachar Committee report," she said.