Quota: Cong lauds floor managers for finding a way out

With the Rajya Sabha taking up the controversial quota in promotion bill after a high drama, the Congress on Thursday complimented its floor managers for finding a way out of the tussle between Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party on the measure.

The party was hopeful of the passage of the bill, saying it was 'commitment' of Congress much before the BSP took it up or the SP opposed it. It also dismissed suggestions of any instability vis-a-vis the government for taking up the bill.

The bill was taken up for consideration after the BSP stalled Parliament for a few days demanding its early passage and warning the government of a tough stand against it if it did not happen.

"We had brought the bill even before BSP raised the issue or the SP opposed it or FDI issue came. It has been a commitment of Congress. This issue is related to social justice. Neither we made it a political issue nor we will make.

"Promotion in reservation existed earlier as well. Then the Supreme Court gave certain views. We want that the previous situation prevails," party spokesperson Sandip Dikshit told reporters in New Delhi.

Party leaders said that the developments leading to the House smoothly taking up the bill for consideration were 'pre- planned' with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamalnath and his team burning the mid-night oil to find a way when the SP and the BSP, both outside supporters of the United Progressive Alliance government, were at loggerheads.

It was a ticklish task well accomplished after crucial voting on FDI in retail last week, they said. "We congratulate the government and the floor managers and hope that the Rajya Sabha will pass the Constitution amendment bill," Dikshit said at the All India Congress Committee briefing.

He said that the government has said if anybody has any objections to the provisions, it is ready to discuss that. When pointed out that government employees in Uttar Pradesh had gone on a flash strike protesting against the measure, the Congress spokesperson said, "When there is an issue of social justice or the deprivation of certain communities is addressed, there may be certain communities that feel concerned."