Centre takes a bow, to hold meet on Bill

The Congress intends to field the finance minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, to hold talks with the advocates of a “quota within quota” for OBCs and minorities on the Women’s Reservation Bill.

Mr Mukherjee, also Leader of the LS will have a delicate task to keep ally Trinamul Congress in good humour as well, after the latter demanded reservations for minorities as part of the Bill, which is also being endorsed by the Samajwadi Party, RJD and Janata Dal (U). The Yadav leaders of these three parties had earlier opposed the Bill in its present form.

Ms Mayawati’s BSP is opposing the Bill for different reasons. Other allies of the Congress, including the DMK, NCP and National Conference, have so far not taken any strong stand regarding minorities and OBCs. The government might feel compelled to modify the Bill only if OBC and minority representatives come out openly against the existing Bill.