Friday, December 9 2005 17:28 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Hyderabad: Claiming that it was committed to the cause of the minorities, the Andhra Pradesh government today (Dec 09, 2005) said it was planning to move Special Leave Petition (SLP) in Supreme Court against the High Court verdict of quashing the Muslim Reservation Bill.

"We are committed to minority welfare. High Court has left room for moving SLP and we will bring in legal luminary like Fali S Nariman, to fight the case in the apex court", Chief Minister YS Rajsekhar Reddy told the Legislative assembly during the third day of debate on minority welfare even as Opposition TDP and BJP walked out of the House.

Rubbishing the allegations that proper care was not taken before drafting the Bill and the state has failed to gauge the legal consequences, Reddy said, "We have done our best and have the commitment to cross all hurdles. Perhaps this is a rare case where the High Court has left provision for SLP".

He also brushed aside TDP charge that his party was playing vote bank politics saying, "In the election manifesto of TDP not a single mention was made about quota to Muslims. This could be because they were with BJP".

"We will also seek the help of Senior Owaisi (former MP and an advocate) to fight the case in Supreme Court", he said.

TDP members walked out of the House protesting against the 'tardy progress' of the case and lack of commitment of the government to provide reservations to minorities.

"Congress has adopted faulty policies in drafting the Bill as it was not sincere in its commitment", TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu said before trooping out of the house.

BJP floor leader G Kishean Reddy also followed saying his party opposed reservations on the basis of religion.