Patna/Chennai:

A day after the Supreme Court backed the Centre’s 10 per cent quota for the poor or EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) in jobs and schooling, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar referred to as for a nationwide caste census whereas his Tamil Nadu counterpart MK Stalin’s celebration mentioned his authorities would problem the choice in courtroom.

The Supreme Court mentioned the quota shouldn’t be discriminatory and doesn’t alter the essential construction of the structure. The verdict is a big victory for the ruling BJP on the Centre, which launched the quota simply earlier than the 2019 common election, after shedding three key northern states.

MK Stalin’s celebration DMK will file a evaluation petition within the Supreme Court. “The verdict hits at the heart of equality enshrined in the constitution,” mentioned the celebration, stating that the quota is “against social justice and equality” and a setback for the century-old battle for social justice.

Mr Stalin additionally referred to as for an all-party meet on Saturday to debate the way in which ahead.

Nitish Kumar mentioned the 50 per cent cap on reservations within the nation must be eliminated.

“What the Supreme Court ruled was fair enough. We were always in support of the quota. But it is high time that the limit of 50 per cent is raised. The cap is depriving OBCs (Other Backward Classes) and EBCs (Extremely Backward Classes) of opportunities in proportion to their population,” mentioned Mr Kumar, an OBC chief who rose to the nationwide highlight in the course of the turmoil over the Mandal Commission suggestions for quota for the backward castes.

He referred to as for a recent estimate of the dimensions of varied social teams, including that he had additionally raised the necessity for a caste census with Prime Minister Narendra Modi final yr.

“We were told that states could hold such headcounts. We have undertaken that exercise. But this needs to be done on the national level as well. There must be a rethink on the issue of caste census,” mentioned the Chief Minister.

Mr Kumar’s former ally BJP scoffed at his feedback, alleging that he’s “obviously unhappy” on the poor higher castes getting quota.

The demand for a removing of the 50 per cent cap was first made by RJD’s Lalu Yadav. Nitish Kumar dumped the BJP and fashioned a brand new authorities with the RJD in August.

The Congress celebration has backed the Supreme Court choice.

“We welcome it. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes should get reservations on the basis of their population. The backward classes should get reservations according to the Mandal commission. We are in favour the court’s decision,” mentioned Bhupesh Baghel, the Chief Minister of Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh.