Quota bill: Cong lauds floor managers for finding a way out

The party was hopeful of the passage of the bill, saying it was "committment" of Congress much before BSP took it up or 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 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 SP opposed it or FDI issue came. It has been a committment 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 here.

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 SP and BSP, both outside supporters of UPA 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 Rajya Sabha will pass the Constitution amendment bill," Dikshit said at the AICC 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."