Monday, May 29 2006 12:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Taking an official stand, the Opposition BJP today (May 29, 2006) supported reservation in higher educational institutions even as it charged the UPA Government with creating social tensions and asked it to ensure that merit was not squeezed while implementing the quota regime.

Addressing the party national executive for the first time after taking over as party President in January this year, Rajnath Singh conceded a dent in the image of the BJP as a party with a difference and asked the leaders to introspect on it.

Apparently rattled by recent defiance, utterances and desertions by some senior leaders in the recent past, he also warned that indiscipline at every level has to be dealt with a firm hand at all costs.

"Otherwise we too are destined to meet the fate of other parties," he cautioned.

"The BJP had supported the Constitution amendment toprovide reservations in higher educational institutions. However, while doing so, any attempt at divisiveness must be avoided. Social fabric of the society must not be damaged," the BJP President said.

Leader of Opposition and senior party leader L K Advani had yesterday demanded setting up of a Specialist Committee to study the impact of reservation and examine alternative remedies for affirmative action which would not undermine merit or excellence.