Women’s quota

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi: “Other parties have talked about it but we have actually introduced the Bill. We cleared it in the cabinet and introduced it in the Rajya Sabha. Now the Bill will not lapse.”

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat: “I congratulate the UPA for introducing the Women’s Reservation Bill. I hope the Government will ensure the passage of the Bill in the same spirit in which it was introduced.”

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj: “I am happy that the Bill is introduced and also happy that it is introduced in the Rajya Sabha because it will not lapse now… it is unfortunate that there is not even an iota of change in the mindset of some parties”.

UP Chief Minister Mayawati: “The quota for SC/ST and OBC women should be over and above the 33 per cent. There should also be no specific quota for SC/ST women in the reservation already available to these groups.”

Union Minister Lalu Prasad: “The RJD will strive for quota within quota for women belonging to backward classes and minority communities and continue to oppose the present Bill at various fora including in the Standing Committee where it has been referred to.”

Samajwadi Party MP Abu Asim Azmi: “My party will continue to oppose the Bill until reservation is ensured for women belonging to OBC, Dalits and Muslims. We will raise this issue when the Bill comes up for discussion in the standing committee also.”

CPI MP Gurudas Dasgupta: “We welcome the introduction of Women’s Reservation Bill. However, it is a mockery as it was introduced on the last day of Budget Session, so that it could not be discussed. A special session should be held in June for passing the Bill, otherwise it would be called a stunt.”