Lok Sabha unlikely to pass Quota Bill in this session

Meira Kumar wants a new law for safety of women

The Lok Sabha failed to pass the Reservation in Promotions Bill, as Samajwadi Party members created a ruckus in the House, protesting its discussion.

The Government has maintained that the Bill will be brought before the session again on Thursday — the last day of the session.

However, it is quite unlikely that the Bill will get the Lok Sabha’s nod as the SP has tacit support from a section of the BJP, which is also opposed to the legislation. The Opposition is unlikely to allow the passage of the Bill without proper discussion.

Minor scuffle

On Wednesday, soon after the Minister of State in Prime Minister’s office V. Narayanasamy started speaking on the Bill, SP members stormed to the well of the House and started shouting slogans.

Meanwhile, SP’s MP, Yashveer Singh snatched the Bill from the Minister. Congress members, including its President, Sonia Gandhi, were seen protesting Singh’s action. They also tried to stop Singh from taking the Bill away.

The House witnessed a near-scuffle situation between SP and Congress members. Speaker Meira Kumar adjourned the House for the day soon after the incidents. Even after the adjournment, SP and Congress members were seen shouting at each other.

Deploring the incident, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said the Government would urge the Speaker to take action against the SP member.

“The Bill will be taken up tomorrow when the House meets,” he added. SP sources, however, said they were opposed to the Bill and would continue their protests on Thursday.

jigeesh.am@thehindu.co.in

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