The failure to get the Women's Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha today has raised a question mark over the fate of the controversial legislation.
It is highly unlikely that the Bill could be pushed ahead immediately in the wake of government failing to ensure its passage in on the
International Women's Day, said a Left leader who declined to be identified.
Left leaders said the Congress leadership appeared to be worried over the impact of the absence of quota would have on Muslims and OBCs, on which the opponents have launched a massive campaign.
Added to this was the stand of Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee who is said to be holding similar views.
The government's strategy of pushing through the Bill at 1800 hours without debate also suffered a setback when BJP and Left parties wanted a debate since it was a constitution amendment Bill.
Another Left leader Sitaram Yechury of CPI(M) said the government failed to "think through" the consequences of the measure, leading to a situation that the government suddenly developed cold feet over the numbers it had in ensuring passage of money bills and the Budget.
Left leaders said it was an irony that a government that had come back to power with a good majority was already counting numbers in less than ten months of the elections.
The announcement by the Yadav duo of Mulayam singh Yadav of SP and Lalu Prasad of RJD early in the day that they would withdraw support to the government had a dampening effect on government managers. (more)