The government will consult “all concerned” before tabling the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee said on Thursday.
Ending days of impasse that threatened to delay the discussion on the general budget, Mr. Mukherjee's announcement came after opponents of the Bill disrupted the House for the fourth consecutive day demanding that the proposed legislation either be withdrawn or include a provision of quota for women from Other Backward Classes and Muslims.
“The government will complete the process of consultation with all concerned before the Bill is brought to the House. I think this assurance would assuage the feelings of the members and the business would be conducted smoothly,' Mr. Mukherjee said when the House reassembled at 2 p.m. after two adjournments.
The deadlock ended after Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad and Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav had a meeting with Mr. Mukherjee.
