FDI meet: SP, BSP spar over bill on reservation in promotion

During the meeting, BSP supremo Mayawati raised the issue of the constitutional amendment bill pending in the Rajya Sabha and demanded its early passage. She said the government should fulfil its promise to get it cleared in Parliament.

It is learnt that leaders of both the parties from Uttar Pradesh have conveyed their sentiments on the bill to government managers. They have indicated that government should take into account their respective stands on the bill while seeking their support on the issue of FDI.

Mayawati's demand was opposed by SP leaders Rewati Raman Singh and Naresh Agarwal in the meeting who claimed that it was against the interests of 82 per cent of the government employees.

"We said in the meeting that we will oppose its passage... We will go to any extent to oppose it. We won't let the House function," Agarwal said after the meeting.

BSP leader Satish Chandra Misra said his party was ready to face any opposition to the legislation. "Let people vote for or against it. Let them come out openly in its opposition," he said.

Just before the all-party meet, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue of FDI. Government managers have been in touch with BSP leadership.

The bill seeks to provide reservation in promotion for SC and ST employees in government jobs. It was introduced in the Upper House in the Monsoon session but could not be taken up for consideration and passage.

It was listed in today's Rajya Sabha business but could not be taken up. The bill is part of tomorrow's revised list of business of the Upper House.