Mumbai, June 04: With the demand for reservation for economically backward among upper castes gathering momentum in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today said he can not take a "unilateral decision" in this respect. "I am heading an eight-party coalition and will have to take a decision consulting all. I will have to look behind the reasons for such a demand", Shinde told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting here.

The BJP, NCP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and RPI MP Ramdas Athavale have supported the demand for quotas for weaker sections in the forward class.

When pointed that the Congress government in Rajasthan headed by Ashok Gehlot has taken a decision in this regard, Shinde said "it was a one-line resolution passed by the Rajasthan cabinet, where a single party is ruling".

Shinde said he has received Bhujbal's letter seeking 14 per cent quota in education and jobs for upper castes. Bhujbal had written a letter to the chief minister asking him to place the matter before the cabinet and take a decision.

Shinde also admitted that he has received a file from the Home Department recommending freezing of two increments of controversial IPS officer Y P Singh. "A decision in this regard will be taken after examining all aspects", he said.

Bureau Report