OBC reserves: Center is confusing, most states have crossed 50% limit - Sharad Pawar

New delhi date. Monday 16 August 2021

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar indirectly targeted the Center over the OBC reservation. On Monday, he said that two days ago, the Center had asked the states to come up with a list of OBC reserves. Some people thought that reservations could be given by the state government but they are being misled.

Pawar made the remarks in view of the Constitution Amendment Bill recently passed by Parliament on OBC reservation. NCP president Pawar said the court had earlier ruled that no more than 50 per cent reservation could be given.

Now the central government said the state can prepare a list of OBC reserves and decide at its own level. According to Pawar, this will not work as almost all the states have crossed the 50 per cent mark. This issue needs to be brought before the public.

Our policy is good relations with neighboring countries

Asked about India's neighbors, especially Afghanistan, Pawar said India's foreign policy has been to maintain good relations with neighboring countries, China and Pakistan, but the situation has changed with Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This is the time when we should review foreign policy to see how influential it is with its neighbors. Pawar also said that this is a sensitive issue. On which he will not speak much. If need be, we will support the government, as this is a matter of national security.