The BJP on Monday hailed the Supreme Court verdict upholding the EWS quota as “another big credit” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the welfare of the poor, but the Congress was quick to point out that the spadework was done by the UPA government and the bill was ready by 2014 when it demitted office.

BJP general secretary (organisation) B.L. Santhosh tweeted: “Supreme Court upholds the legality of EWS reservation for unreserved sections. Another big credit for PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Gareeb Kalyan.”

The Congress, welcoming the Supreme Court verdict, said the Manmohan Singh government had initiated the process in 2005-06 with the appointment of the Sinho Commission that submitted its report in July 2010.

“Widespread consultations were held and the bill was ready by 2014,” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said. “It took the Modi Sarkar five years to get the bill enacted.’’

The DMK expressed disappointment with the verdict.