The Congress-led UPA Government seems sincere to introduce the much discussed Women’s Reservation Bill within 100 days so it’s right time for Muslim bodies, the secular regional parties as well as for Congress at the Centre to legislate a separate quota for Muslim community within 33% women in Parliament. Although, the Muslim community appreciates the stand of secular parties like SP, RJD and LJP as well as the JD(U) for their demand to make a special quota for OBC and Muslims. However, they should admit honestly that non-Muslim OBCs’ representation in parliament is much better than Muslims, not only in Parliament but almost in every walk of life. The present Lok Sabha has the all time lowest number of Muslim MPs. If the trend continues, the Muslim society as a whole may require reservation in the Parliament and state legislatures.
Though with the Muslim overwhelming support, the Congress sailed through to rule for another five years at the Centre, the community was snubbed due to low representation in Cabinet, having no key portfolios for them and not a single Muslim woman inducted in the Cabinet of Ministers. All other much smaller minorities have much larger representation compared to their census in Parliament and Union Cabinet. So the Muslim community needs better attention.
S.M.S. Reza
Jeddah, K.S.A