Rajasthan tribal MP: ‘SC verdict will break unity among Dalits, Adivasis … if there is a big attack on quota in future, people won’t be able to resist’

* What is your take on the Supreme Court judgment?

The situation of the SC-ST communities is different in every state. The manner in which this judgment was delivered, it (sub-categorisation) will serve to break up the unity among SCs and STs. If there is inequality in our state among STs, then our people, social organisations, MPs, and MLAs can sit together, decide, and submit a proposal to the government on what needs to be done. However, this SC judgment will break the unity among tribals and SCs.

* Did any Rajasthan ST group demand sub-categorisation?

There hasn’t been any such demand. In Rajasthan, there is indeed discussion on scheduled and non-scheduled areas when it comes to (jobs in) state services. But that can be resolved on the basis of the concerned areas, not by dividing the community. If you target the community then it will lead to conflict and that is what they (the BJP-led Centre) want. They are saying that they will give jobs to the weaker sections but how will they be identified? How will the government identify?

* They also favour removing quotas for the creamy layer …

Reservation has not been given for backwardness. The STs fought all the aggressors and it has been given based on their social identity. But the way they are defining it now (based on economic status) is incorrect. If this continues, reservation will be over in times to come.

* What is your party’s position on the judgment?

Our stand is that it has been brought for a particular community to fight within itself, which is wrong. We don’t support it. People in some remote areas haven’t yet received the benefit of reservation. Because of such cases, there can be a division of (existing reservation in) state services, between Schedule 5 and non-Schedule 5 areas, on the basis of population. Rather than target and divide communities, the division can be on the basis of the area.

* It is said that some Rajasthan ST groups have received more reservation benefits than others…

We do agree that this is true, but in Rajasthan, it can be addressed on a social level by the social and political leaders of the community. We will send such a proposal (to the state government). The government cannot identify that (because of political compulsions) but we can.

* How do you see the judgment play out in the state?

It will lead to divisions within SCs and STs and if there is a big attack on reservation in the future, then there may not be any struggle as the people won’t be able to resist it unitedly.