BJP looks to gain mileage from support

The BJP will not let the Congress walk away with all credit if Parliament passes the Women’s Reservation Bill. A day after a whip to its MPs to back the bill, party leaders did not mince words in saying that since the UPA coalition was in minority in Rajya Sabha, the onus of getting it adopted was with the main opposition.

The BJP will not let the Congress walk away with all credit if Parliament passes the Women’s Reservation Bill.

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A day after a whip to its MPs to back the bill, party leaders did not mince words in saying that since the UPA coalition was in minority in Rajya Sabha, the onus of getting it adopted was with the main opposition.

Party chief Nitin Gadkari called an emergency meeting of the core group on Saturday to discuss the bill.

“The core group unanimously decided to ensure passage of Bill,” he said.

“The BJP is conscious of the fact that the UPA is in a minority in Parliament. The BJP appeals to all parties to support this Bill. The BJP has directed all its members to be present in Rajya Sabha and ensure the passage of this Bill.”

Gadkari also made it clear that the role of the BJP in the passage of the bill could not be underplayed.

“The BJP had first mooted the idea of this Bill in 1995 at its national council meeting at Vadodara. The NDA had at first moved this bill in Parliament. The BJP is the only political party that has provided for one-third reservation in the party organisation for women.”

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj said the bill was a dream of two senior leaders Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani.