As the countdown begins to the May 30 civic polls in West Bengal, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya hit the campaign trail with a series of public meetings in Kolkata over the weekend.

The Chief Minister made an announcement that could raise questions about the model code of conduct in force. He told the rally that the 10 per cent reservation in government jobs for Muslims would take effect from June this year.

"One crore Muslims will get reservation by June. Muslims will be entitled to 10 per cent reservation in government jobs. I am being asked on this matter constantly. My logic is simple, if the Scheduled Castes and Tribes enjoy this right, why should the Muslims be deprived of it?" he said.