Agencies
New Delhi, May 5:
The Women's Reservation Bill, planned to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday is unlikely to be a smooth affair for the Congress-led coalition. This is clear from the divergent views of allies like RJD and LJP, and stiff opposition from the JD(U). Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said his party was "never against" the introduction of the long-delayed measure but favoured quotas for women from deprived sections of the society and those belonging to religious minorities in the 12-year-old draft legislation.
"When the bill reaches the final stages members should take a bold step and pass it by a consensus," he said. Suggesting alternatives, Prasad said his party would also back the measure if there is an agreement over leaving the implementation of the women's reservation to political parties or a consensus is reached over increasing the number of seats in legislatures.
"We will put forth our views at every forum be it cabinet, Parliament or Parliamentary committees," he said. Prasad suggested if political parties fail to implement the reservation, a provision should be made to allow the Election Commission to take action, including derecognition of the outfit. JD(U) President Sharad Yadav said his party will oppose any government's move to table the Women's Reservation Bill in the House in its current form.
"We will not allow the government to introduce the Women's Reservation Bill, it is a constitutional amendment which should be passed by the consent of all parties," he told reporters here. The JD(U) favours quotas for weaker sections of the society within the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women. Yadav charged the government with trying to curtail the membership of the weaker section of the society in legislatures across the country.
The BJP has been favouring the Women's Reservation Bill in any form and has gone ahead and implemented the provisions within the party. Left parties have been pitching for the introduction of the bill in its present form and favoured a discussion in Parliament on the objections raised by RJD and Samajwadi Party.
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