New Delhi, April 05: Government’s efforts to ensure early passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha today received a setback with its ally Trinamool Congress joining Samajwadi Party, RJD and JD(U) in opposing the proposed legislation in the present form.
An all-party meeting called here to break the logjam over the bill failed as differences persisted, prompting even UPA allies and those supporting the proposed legislation not to rush through its introduction till there is consensus.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee held two-hour-long deliberations with leaders of SP, RJD, JD(U), BSP, who are strongly opposed to 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and Assemblies as envisaged in the bill.
The meeting was also attended by Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj and leaders of Left parties, which are backing the legislation. UPA allies NCP, DMK and NC also attended.
–Agencies