Govt left red-faced in RS over OBC panel Bill

The combined Opposition took the government by surprise when it moved amendments to the Bill

A combined Opposition on Monday embarrassed the government in the Rajya Sabha when it forced amendments to a Constitution amendment Bill providing for setting up of a National Commission for Backward Classes.

Initiating the Bill earlier this year, to grant statutory status to the Commission, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had argued that the panel didn’t get such a status was evidence of the “apathy” the Congress and other parties had for the interests of the backward classes. However, Monday’s developments gave the Opposition an opportunity to hit back.

“No ruling party whip for a constitution amendment? Thirty (NDA) MPs were reportedly