March 8, 2010 4:51 PM

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Women's Reservation Bill tabled in Rajya Sabha for consideration

The Constitutional Amendment Bill providing for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies was moved in the Rajya Sabha for consideration amidst pandemonium situation. Samajwadi and RJD members trooped to the well of the House and were seen snatching the mike. They even attempted to ransack the Chairman Mohammmed Hamid Ansari's table and tore off copies of the Bill. The House was then adjourned till 3 pm. The Lok Sabha was also adjourned till 3 pm as the members of the RJD and SP continued to raise pitch over the women's reservation issue.<br/><br/>Almost all major political parties now stand in favour of the Womens Reservation Bill. Ruling party Congress has dubbed it as one the most important legislations. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni called it a giant leap towards women empowerment. She expressed confidence that the bill will be passed with more than 2/3rd majority.<br/><br/>Supporting the Bill Senior BJP leader Nazma Heptullah said that the Bill is a long standing commitment to the people of India.<br/><br/>Calling it a major step toward giving women their rights, CPIM leader Brinda Karat stressed on having voting on the Bill even if discussion can not take place.<br/><br/>DMK leader Kanimozhi called the day as historic. Reiterating party's stand, she said that the other details such as sub quota can be worked out after the Bill is passed.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, JD-U parliamentary party meeting fails to take a common stand on Women's Reservation Bill. JD-U chief Sharad Yadav says another meeting will be held just before voting on the bill in Rajya Sabha today. While the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar favors the bill, Mr. Yadav opposes it in its present form and demanding quota within quota for SC, ST, OBCs and Minorities.<br/><br/>Minority Affairs Minister Mr. Salmaan Khurshid today made it clear that the Women's Reservation Bill will have no adverse impact on the representation of minorities in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Mr. Khurshid said that special assistance is being given to the minorities and different types of affirmative action are needed for different classes. Mr. Khursid was reacting after the Rajya Sabha was adjourned following protest from RJD and SP members seeking implementation of Rangnath Mishra Commission report.

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