Ansari's remark on Muslim quota sparks row

Vice-President Hamid Ansari has referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's key development mantra–Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas –to argue in favour of quota or affirmative action for the Muslim community, which has evoked reaction from political parties.

"The official objective of Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas is commendable; a pre-requisite for this is affirmative action (where necessary) to ensure a common starting point and an ability in all to walk at the required pace," he told at an event.

Ansari said that exclusion and discrimination, including the failure to provide security to Muslims, has to be corrected by the state at the earliest and appropriate instruments developed for it. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday criticised Ansari over his pitch.

“Such a demand seeks to push Muslims in dark alleys of dissatisfaction whose consequences will be dangerous. With due respect to the Vice-President's chair, the VHP condemns this rank communal statement. This is a political statement which does not befit the office of a Vice-President,” VHP's Surendra Jain said.