Community’s progress does not depend on reservation: Gadkari
| Date :17-Sep-2019 |
Staff Reporter :
Favouring the reservation for economically backward class, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday stated, though reservation is necessary for the growth of downtrodden it does not help community to grow. Gadkari was speaking during the inauguration of 13th mega convention of Akhil Maali Samaj organised to mark the occasion of diamond jubilee celebrations of Mahatma Phule Shikshan Sanstha. Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh presided over the function.
Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, ex-Minister Balasaheb Shivarkar, President of Reception Committee Prof Arun Pawar and others were present. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for never mentioning caste, Gadkari also talked about leadership beyond caste considerations. Mali community leaders, during their speeches in the convention demanded, more representation and election tickets for members of their community.
Gadkari mentioned the name of late Indira Gandhi, George Fernandes, Ashok Gehlot, Sushma Swaraj, Vasundhara Raje and asked audience whether these leaders became ministers on the basis of their caste. Community leaders requested Gadkari to press the demand for conferring ‘Bharat Ratna’ upon Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. Gadkari said he would take up the issue on the right forum.