BJP not to vote on Women’s Bill sans debate

In the wake of frequent disruptions in Rajya Sabha over the Women’s Reservation Bill, the BJP on Monday criticised the Government for “not having a strategy” for its passage and indicated that it will not vote on the measure if it is held without a debate.

“The Government should have a roadmap and strategy for passing such an important Bill. We are not in favour of passing such a vital Bill without a discussion. It (a discussion) is a requirement for a Constitutional Amendment as the basic structure of the Constitution will change,” Deputy Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha S.S. Ahluwalia said.

He maintained that unlike an ordinary legislation, a Constitutional Amendment requires discussion and division of votes.

BJP sources insisted that passing such an important Bill without any discussion in a way dents its legitimacy even though the numbers are overwhelmingly in favour of the Bill with the Left parties and the Congress supporting it.

The main opposition also sought to put the blame for the pandemonium in the Upper House to lack of strategy on part of the UPA coalition and its attempt to take “all the credit” for passing the important legislation.