SP, BJP MPs clash in Rajya Sabha over SC/ST promotions bill
06 Sep 2012
A Samajwadi Party and a Bahujan Samaj Party MP almost came to trading blows in the Rajya Sabha yesterday as they faced-off over the contentious bill which sought to introduce quotas in promotions for SCs and STs in government jobs, embarrassing the upper house which is known for its decorum.
Although minister of state for personnel V Narayanasamy managed to introduce the Constitution (117th Amendment) Bill, 2012 despite the trouble.
No discussion could take place with BJP members continuing to disrupt the house demanding the resignation of prime minister Manmohan Singh in connection with the coal block allotment controversy.
Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde later told reporters that there was little time to pass the bill, which was cleared by the cabinet on Tuesday, in the current session which would come to an end on Friday.
The amendment aimed to negate a Supreme Court judgment of April that set aside quotas in promotions provided by the previous BSP government in UP on the ground that the same did not meet the criteria laid down in an earlier judgment.
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for an hour after it assembled as slogan-shouting by BJP MPs prevented any business from being transacted.
While BJP members resumed their protest, with the house meeting again, at noon SP members, who were opposed to the amendment, were also on their feet as the government was expected to introduce the bill.
