Vadodara: Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale today said the Constitution should be amended to provide 25 per cent quota to the poor among the upper castes such as Patels and Marathas.
"I will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss this issue with him," Athawale told reporters here during a a memorial function for Dalit icon B R Ambedkar.
"I am in favour of 25 per cent reservation for the economically backward sections among the upper castes from the general quota," he said, adding that he, thus, favoured 75 per cent reservation overall.
"Patels under Hardik Patel's leadership are demanding reservations in Gujarat, Jats are demanding reservations in Haryana, Rajputs and Gujjars have made same demand in Rajasthan. I am of the opinion that all these communities should be given reservation," he said, adding that the Marathas were making the same demand in Maharashtra.
To increase the quantum of reservations, constitutional amendment should be made, he said.
He also made it clear that he was "firmly opposed" to the Maratha community's demand of repealing the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
"If there are any specific suggestions for minor changes which would stop its misuse, my ministry will definitely examine them," he said.
Gujarat culture minister Rajendra Trivedi, BJP MP Ranjanben Bhatt and several Dalit leaders were also present during the function.
