Mayawati blames NDA, UPA for delay in passing quota bill

BSP on Wednesday blamed both UPA and NDA for the delay in passing the bill providing for reservation to SCs and STs in promotions in government jobs.

“Though the Bill relating to SC/ST promotion was introduced, it has not been passed yet and for this both Congress and its allies and BJP and its allies are responsible,” BSP chief Mayawati told reporters outside the Parliament.

The Constitution Amendment Bill relating to reservation for promotion of SC/ST employees was introduced in Rajya Sabha amid din.

“I am happy that the Bill was introduced. But the way the House is being disrupted, it looks that it would not be possible to pass the Bill.”

Criticising the BJP for not supporting the Bill, she said, “We strongly condemn the stand taken by the BJP. As far as coal block allocation is concerned, it is also an important matter. But the reservation for SC/ST employees is also equally important.”

She said she had appealed the BJP to support the Bill. “Because this is an issue concerning the entire country,” she said.

Taking on the UPA, she said, “Congress has vested political interest in delaying in bringing the Bill. It should have come in the last session. But they wanted to have their candidates win the President and Vice-President elections and for this they did not want to annoy any party.”