Opposition questions timing of quota bill

Questioning the timing of the Bill to provide reservation to the poor in the general category, the Congress and the opposition in Rajya Sabha Wednesday slammed the ruling BJP saying the government was playing election "politics".

They said it was a disrespect shown to the Indian democracy's highest insitution.

'The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenth-Four Amendment) Bill, 2019' seeks to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to economically weaker sections in the general category.

The bill was introduced in the Upper House amid din following protests by the opposition which demanded it be sent to a select committee for scrutiny.

Speaking on the legislation, Congress senior leader and former Minister Anand Sharma said: You brought the bill in haste because you had to before the Model Code of Conduct comes into force, thinking ... lets dangle a carrot in front of the public, show them another dream that Modiji made arrangements for their childrens employment.

He said by the haste shown in bringing the Bill, it was beyond comprehension that a government "on departure lounge" after "befitting" defeat in three state elections brought the bill on the eve of elections.

He dared the BJP to bring the women reservation bill.

"If you are really concerned about women...bring the women reservation bill instead of 'beti bachao beti padhao' slogans and we will pass it tonight," he said.

He charged the government with not taking the opposition into confidence saying "there is no consent from the Opposition. The situation is such that there is no dialogue between the Opposition and the government."