Govt bows, to consult all parties on women's bill

New Delhi: The government on Thursday tried to seek consensus over the women’s reservation bill, saying it would consult all parties on the legislation and find a solution to the suspension of seven Rajya Sabha MPs

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was ready to consult all parties for a consensus on the women's reservation bill before it is tabled in the Lok Sabha, said Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

"There is no harm in calling an all party meeting. The prime minister has pointed out that we can consult all parties (to arrive at a consensus) and for exploring ideas and possibilities to narrow down the differences," said Mukherjee, who is Leader of the Lok Sabha.

He was replying to a short discussion in the Lok Sabha over the government's flagship bill that seeks to reserve a third of all legislative seats in India for women.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister P K Bansal said he expects a “resolution” on the suspension of MPs in a few hours. The seven MPs are scheduled to meet Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari this evening.

The bill, which is vociferously opposed by the parties with mass base mainly in the Hindi heartland of north India, was cleared by the Rajya Sabha Tuesday. It is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha in coming days.

The legislation has led to frequent disruptions of the two houses of parliament. On Thursday as well, both houses were adjourned amid uproar over the bill.

Progress over the bill appeared in sight after Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, RJD leader Lalu Prasad and Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav, who are opposed to the bill, met Mukherjee.

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar and DMK leader T R Baalu also attended the meeting.

"The government has assured us that all sections of the House will be consulted before bringing the bill in Lok Sabha," said Sharad Yadav after the meeting.

(With inputs from IANS and PTI)