Ansari begins consultations on SC/ST promotions bill

As part of the consultations, Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari today held a meeting of various political parties in his chamber, with Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley, BSP leader Satish Mishra, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath and MoS in PMO V Narayanasamy attending it.

While Ram Gopal Yadav has pledged to talk to SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Satish Mishra is set to talk to BSP chief Mayawati to find a way out.

Pushed by BSP chief Mayawati, the government is under pressure to get the bill passed in the Upper House after BSP backed it in both Houses of Parliament on FDI in retail.

Mayawati has said she will be forced to take a tough stand if the amendment bill is not passed.

"UPA must ensure that there is debate on quota bill in Parliament," Mayawati said, adding "it is upto the Rajya Sabha Chairman to ensure that there is order in the House and it runs smoothly to pass the Bill."

Narayanasamy said "the government is committed to SC/ST Bill bill and get it passed in this session itself and is holding consultations in this regard. The PM has also held two all-party meetings on this issue."

Threatening to stall Rajya Sabha proceedings if the government pushed for the bill, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav said "we will disrupt the House and not allow it to function if the Bill is passed. We will continue to oppose the Bill and we are ready for suspension."

Congress Spokesman P C Chacko said while the Bill is the commitment of Congress party, "ultimately, it is the collective wisdom of Parliament" that will decide on the issue.