With his OBC quota proposals triggering violent protests across the country, Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh today hit back at the high-profile National Knowledge Commission (NKC) which reports directly to the Prime Minister.

In no mood to spare the NKC for its 6-2 objection to his plans for 27 per cent OBC quota in premier educational institutions, Singh said: “With all due respect to the great (National) Knowledge Commission, I must point out to them that they are not above the Constitution.”

“They do not need to speak to any of us. Let them decide and the country will follow them if they are above the Constitution. They do not know that there is a Parliament and there is a law passed by Parliament also. If they are unaware, then I can only pity them,” he said.

Singh’s fresh attack followed his criticism of NKC chairman Sam Pitroda for opposing reservation in Central educational institutions.

Yesterday, Singh had said: “The chairman of the Knowledge Commission says he was unaware of the Constitutional amendment (on reservation). If he is that ignorant, how can he be the chairman of the Knowledge Commission?”

Today, asked whether a Bill is expected in the current session of Parliament, Singh rejected suggestions for a “relook” into the proposals and said: “This is entirely for the Cabinet to decide. As soon as the Prime Minister allows it to be brought before the Cabinet, a decision will be taken.”

Singh dismissed as “propaganda” attempts to project the anti-reservation agitation as Mandal II: “There is no Mandal II, III or IV. It is all propaganda to vitiate the whole atmosphere.”

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