NCP advocates quota for Muslims, Marathas

The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party, which launched its manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls on Monday, advocated reservation for Muslims and Marathas in education, jobs and government services and formation of new states.

Reservation for Marathas has become a major political issue in Maharashtra and the government had to appoint a committee led by Industries Minister Narayan Rane to prepare a detailed report.

Protesting against the government’s non-implementation of the Rane Committee report recommendations, Maratha leaders like Vinayak Mete had quit the party in recent weeks.

The manifesto assures financial assistance to both communities for education and self employment. The party has promised to implement the Sachar Committee recommendations within a time frame.

The party supports the formation of new States if it is found economically viable and is supported by a majority of local people.

The party has opposed the imposition of uniform civil code and sought the enactment of the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill 2013.

The manifesto has also promised to enhance private sector participation in agriculture through contract farming and land leasing arrangements.