CPI(M) wants creamy layer in Parliament

NEW DELHI: In the face of key UPA allies such as DMK, PMK, RJD and supporting parties like Samajwadi Party strongly opposing the creamy layer criteria while implementing OBC reservation, the CPI(M) making a tactical retreat, is planning to push for quota for economically weaker section among the OBCs in Parliament. CPI(M) will make this move when the legislation is expected to come up for discussion during monsoon session.

 

The CPI(M) was the first to support Manmohan Singh government's bid to eliminate creamy layer from OBC quota. CPI(M) sources on Friday said since the Mandal and Dravidian parties are kicking up a row over the creamy layer issue, the party has decided "not to make a song and dance" over it but argue its case when the bill is tabled in Parliament in July next. Party general secretary Prakash Karat said: "In the Left-UPA meeting on Tuesday, we did not discuss creamy layer because it was not relevant at that time.”

 

A day before the UPA-Left meeting, the CPI(M) politburo had even issued a statement demanding implementing creamy layer criteria. The party brass was planning to argue its case in the UPA-Left meeting but CPI(M) in cahoots with PMK and DMK scuttled the move.