Women from various fields demonstrate for early passage of Women's Reservation Bill

New Delhi, July 29 (ANI): In a bid to press the demand for the passage of Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, women from different fields participated in a peaceful march here on Thursday.

Bollywood actors Shabana Azmi and Sharmila Tagore were present on the occasion along with Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Brinda Karat

Shabana Azmi said that it was a right that they were asking for.

"We are not asking for this Bill as an act of mercy. We are asking this, as it is our right. This is a right demand and it has been passed in Rajya Sabha. Those people, who are creating obstacles to bring it in the Lok Sabha, should be exposed," said Azmi.

Brinda Karat said the women's voice would fill the political vacuum to pass the bill.

"This bill was passed in Rajya Sabha with lot of efforts. To pass the bill it is only ten steps away from Lok Sabha. To pass the bill we need political determination for it, which is missing till today. And I want that the women's voice will fill that political vacuum and bring the bill," said Karat.

Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was also present on the occasion, said there is no reason why the Bill should not be passed as majority of the people in the Parliament are in it's favour.

"The faster the Bill is passed, the better it is, and those who are protesting against the bill let them protest because a bill is never passed with total consensus. People have different views on different issues, but majority of people in Parliament are in favour of this bill then there is no reason why it should not be passed. It will definitely be passed," said Akhtar.

History was created in Rajya Sabha on March 9, when it voted by an overwhelming majority the Bill to reserve one-third of seats for women in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies. (ANI)