Congress backs Ansari’s ‘affirmative action’ comment

Party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters that the party does not comment on statements of constitutional post holders, but its stand is clear. “Yes. Sab ka <g data-gr-id="21">saath</g>, sab ka <g data-gr-id="22">vikas</g> is an article of faith with us. It is not a slogan,” he said, adding that the party was for a “non-discriminatory inclusive approach”.

Singhvi recalled that when the Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre, it had set up the Sachar Committee which looked into the socio-economic status of the minorities.

“I don’t think anyone in the Congress is apologetic about it,” he said. The Vice-President had recently demanded “affirmative action” to address the problems of identity and security confronting the Muslims in the country, in line with Modi government’s official objective of ‘sabka <g data-gr-id="24">sath</g>, <g data-gr-id="25">sabka</g> <g data-gr-id="26">vikas</g>’.

The comments were widely criticised by the VHP and the saffron party.

However, on being asked about RSS reportedly raising the issue of Ram Mandir in its crucial three-day meeting of top ministers and BJP leaders, which began on Wednesday, Singhvi said that the matter does not account for much importance.