The potential of the quota promise with a view to sway Muslim opinion has forced Mulayam and other political leaders to promise a higher quantum of quota for Muslims. Looking for an opportunity to re-embrace a portion of OBC votes, BJP fielded one of the most prominent backward leaders in its fold, Uma Bharati, in order to launch an offensive against Congress quota promise. In a press conference Uma was quoted saying “Congress party’s decision to give 9% reservation to the minority community is a purely politically move, which has been announced in view of the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh”, as reported by ZeeNews.com.

Uma also added that “Congress’ divisive policies were responsible for the partition of the country some 60 years back and the ruling party (BSP) is once again trying to divide the country on the basis of religion. This is a bad politics that Congress is indulging in for increasing its vote banks.” Based on this the EC on Wednesday put the implementation of the new quota regime on a virtual hold till the process of elections in these states is completed (till March 9).

Meanwhile the BSP, the SP and the Congress are noted to have increased the number of Muslim candidates for the assembly elections. The BSP and the SP have named 75-80 candidates, while Congress leaders said the party will field Muslim candidates in around 70 constituencies in the final list, as reported by livemint.com.