In yet another letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has reminded him of her earlier demands for giving reservation to Muslims and upper castes,besides including Jats in the central OBC list. In her letter on Monday,Mayawati demanded an increase in the existing quota of 27 per cent for OBCs and then urged him to accommodate Muslims and Jats in it. Besides,she has also suggested an increase in the existing quota for Schedules Castes to pave the way for the entry of some OBCs in it. Mayawati favoured reservation for Jats and Muslims within the OBC quota in accordance with their population,but only after an increase in the existing quota. Sources in the BSP said the Chief Minister wants to counter the Congress plan to reap benefit out of the Centres reported move to create a separate quota for minorities,including Muslims,within the OBC quota. In her letter,Mayawati also reiterated her demand for giving reservation to the poor among the upper castes. Elaborating on the need to write another letter to the Prime Minister,Mayawati said the issue was very sensitive. Referring to the Sachar Committees reports,she underlined the need to give opportunities to minorities,particularly Muslims,for their progress in every field such as jobs and education. She also reminded the PM of her earlier demands like reservation for OBC and SCs/STs in private sectors and the judiciary. She said there must be serious efforts for covering the poor among the upper castes under the reservation policy. According to government statement,the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister requested the Centre to include OBC castes such as Kahara,Kashyap,Kewat,Mallah,Nishad,Bind,Kumhar,Prajapati,Dhiver,Bhar,Rajbhar,Batham,Turaha,Gond,Lonia-Chauhan,Pal and Baghel in the SC/ST list after increasing the existing quota.
