YSR, it’s regressive

The fact that it was redeeming an election promise, does not make it right. The fact that opposition parties, like the TDP, had made a similar promise in the run up to the 2004 general election, also does not make it right. The Andhra government’s move to introduce a 5 per cent Muslim quota — even though it comes with a cut-off point in terms of income — is bad, both in principle and policy. It undermines constitutional values, is incompatible with secularism and could create inter-community and intra-community tension.

There is a distinction made between the political principle of minority rights, and the social principle of addressing caste discriminations. The Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy government has blurred this important line of separation for political gains, without thinking of the repercussions the move holds for the country. While there can be no denying that Muslims, for various social and historical reasons, find themselves disadvantaged, the solution to the problem does not lie in politically expedient moves to provide general quotas for them in educational and public employment. Such quickfix measures, in fact, hold the danger of a backlash that could lead to further alienation in the long term. The trouble is that the better way of addressing the issue is also the tougher way — identifying backward groups within Muslims, encouraging the community to help itself through reform and education, and the like. It also lacks the political appeal of a quota.

The other southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have ensured more jobs and educational opportunities for Muslims, but not through such crass instruments. They have, instead, identified the least advantaged groups within the Muslim community and brought them into the reckoning rather than handed over reservations indiscriminately to all Muslims. In contrast, the AP government has plumbed for a dangerous approach which cannot be supported.