New Delhi, Oct. 29 -- The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has backed IDBI Bank employees opposing the lender's proposed privatisation, warning that the sale could end reservation protections for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backwards Classes (OBC).

In a letter addressed to IDBI Bank employees on Thursday, Gandhi questioned the government's decision to sell its stake in the bank despite its financial turnaround.

He also raised concerns over employees' service conditions and recalled an assurance made by the government to Parliament in 2003 that it would retain at least 51 per cent ownership in the bank.

"When IDBI is privately owned, reservation for SC, ST and OBC candidates will go with it...