Religion-Based Quotas Violate Constitution: RSS

Rapid Summary

• RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale stated that the Constitution does not allow reservation based on religion.
• Hosabale criticized the Karnataka government’s decision to provide 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts, calling it a violation of constitutional principles laid out by Dr BR Ambedkar.
• He referenced past cases in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra where similar provisions were overturned by High Courts and the Supreme Court.
• Hosabale condemned glorification of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, claiming his actions violated India’s cultural ethos, while promoting figures like Dara Shikoh and Maharana Pratap who represented social harmony and resistance to oppressive rule.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The commentary from Dattatreya Hosabale raises pertinent constitutional concerns regarding religion-based reservations. His interpretation aligns with court judgments in earlier cases rejecting similar policies. The ongoing debate reflects broader judicial safeguards built into India’s legislative framework against potential misuse of quota systems.

The ancient critique adds a cultural dimension by revisiting how certain historical icons are viewed in public discourse. While opinions on figures like Aurangzeb vary, this discussion underscores diverging perspectives on their legacy within India’s collective consciousness. Such narratives may influence societal dialogues about representation, history education, and cultural identity.

Read More: Economic Times