Thaindian News

New Delhi, Jan 11 (IANS) Law Minister Salman Khurshid Wednesday said he did not agree with the Election Commission notice that he had violated the model code of conduct by promising nine percent reservation to backward Muslims in Uttar Pradesh and will send his reply to the poll panel.

Khurshid contended that he had not violated model code as the Justice Rajinder Sachar panel and Justice Ranganath Misra commission have recommended quotas for Muslims.

“I have a right to put forth my view. It should reach the people,” Khurshid told news channel CNN-IBN, adding the party had a manifesto and leaders had a right to give speeches during elections.

He said reservation for backward minorities in other backward classes (OBCs), which include Muslims, was constitutionally valid.

“That constitutionally valid entry cannot be discussed in an election … I do not agree with the EC (Election Commission) notice and will reply to it. They have responded to a complaint made by the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). I will reply to that notice and my party will reply,” Khurshid said.

The minister had said in a speech in Farrukhabad that Congress would set aside a nine per cent sub-quota for backward Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, if voted to power.

The poll panel had Tuesday issued notice to Khurshid on a complaint from the BJP. Khurshid’s wife, Louise, who is the Congress candidate from Farrukhabad assembly constituency, has also been served notice by the state election office.