Women's Reservation Bill, Lokpal Bill top govt's priority list in winter session

Passage of the much-talked-about Women's Reservation Bill and Lokpal Bill are high on government's priority in the Winter session of Parliament beginning on Thursday.
The Bill for creation of Telangana is not listed on the agenda but the government says it will endeavour to bring it in the session.
At an all-party meeting convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath, Samajwadi Party threatened to disrupt proceedings if Women's Reservation Bill and SC/ST reservation in promotion bill were taken up, while BJP and AGP strongly opposed any plans to bring in a Constitutional Amendment Bill on India Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement (LBA).

However, government is likely to go ahead with introduction of the LBA Bill in Rajya Sabha. Women's Bill was passed in Rajya Sabha and is awaiting nod of the Lower House. The Lokpal Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha and is pending in the Upper House.
Home Minister and Leader of the House in Lok Sabha Sushilkumar Shinde told the meeting that the Cabinet will clear it at the earliest and send it to the President for his assent before it is brought to the House.
Kamal Nath conceded that the SP, an outside supporter of UPA, has strong reservations about the Women's Bill but the government will try to discuss the matter with it.

The Communal Violence bill is not likely to be taken up in the short session as it is still pending with the Standing Committee on Home Affairs.
Main Opposition BJP has demanded a debate on internal security in the wake of the blasts in the party's Patna rally. It also wants a debate on atrocities on women, subversion of constitutional bodies like the JPC on 2G scam.
The Left parties want a debate on "deteriorating communal situation" in the wake of the Muzaffarnagar riots and the economic crisis, rising prices and unemployment in the country.