BJP, CPI(M) slam Govt. over its lackluster approach on Women Reservation Bill

New Delhi, March 8 (ANI): Congress party-led United Progressive Alliance government was criticized by the opposition parties for its half-hearted approach over the passage of Women's Reservation Bill on Monday.

In the evening, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Arun Jaitely blamed the Congress party of scuttling Women's Reservation Bill. Both the parties have extended their support to the ruling government for this Bill.

"Government was confident in the morning but they seemed to have changed their mind. The intention and commitment of government is suspect. I doubt if the Bill may be passed even tomorrow (Tuesday)," said Jaitely.

He blamed Congress party of "betraying the Indian democracy".

Communist Party of India leader Brinda Karat blamed the government for its careless approach in handling the Women's Reservation Bill.

"Our party gave full support to the government over the issue of Women's Reservation Bill. It's sheer carelessness of the Government (that it could not be passed today). The passage of this Bill in any condition is government's responsibility," said Brinda Karat.

Presently, there are 181 members of Parliament in favour of the Bill, 28 opposed to it and there are 24 others.

The protesting MPs want reservation for Dalit, OBC and minority communities within the Women's Reservation Bill's proposed quota of 33 per cent.

A similar protest was witnessed in the past 14 years with opponents of the Bill by noisily opposing the Women's Reservation Bill that seeks to reserve a third of seats for women in parliament and State Assemblies.

Government will ensure that the Bill goes through. It is a significant Bill and we don't want it to be passed in any hurry.

Congress party didn't anticipate violence over teh Bill, said Union Law and Justice Minister and Congress leader Veerappa Moily. (ANI)