NEW DELHI: The government began damage control on Saturday after the Election Commission sought an explanation for HRD Minister Arjun Singh’s reservation bombshell.
The EC’s notice follows a complaint from the BJP that Singh had violated the model code of conduct by announcing 49.5 per cent caste-based quota in educational institutions while elections are on in five states.
With the matter threatening to snowball, Singh met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the evening. His defence is that he made no announcement and therefore violated no rule.
“The media asked me (about increasing reservations) and I only explained the facts of the case to them,” he told DNA. He reiterated there’s nothing official about the proposal. “A consultation process is on and a Cabinet note is being prepared.”
Congress circles, however, admitted that Singh has embarrassed the government. They said his announcement could harm the party, particularly in UP, where the Congress is trying to woo back the upper castes.
