He is quoting a news paper article of 2006 which is ancient news.
This 'policy; has been in vogue as long as anyone can remember. Appeasing minorities began even before the Mandal Commission unleashed by VP Singh.
Whats new & what has changed ?
Well exactly.And I particularly don't blame mamo for this but the successive governments and the rulling elites.In this case,the statement might be old but it was made never the less.And when the pm,the strongest persion in India makes that kind of remark,it can't be just his personal opinion;but the stated policy of the government as whole.which is apparent by now.