Lucknow, December 16: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Saturday warned the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government not to take him for granted. He said this when asked about possibilities of reviewing 'outside' support to the UPA-II if it overlooks his opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment bill providing quota to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in promotions in government services.
The Yadav satrap was not categorical about withdrawing support but described the bill as "anti-social" which would divide the country and said that his party will do everything possible to stop its enactment and implemenation. During the visit to his Lok Sabha constituency, talking to supporters and media-persons , Mulayam said the SP will continue to oppose the quota bill inside and outside Parliament. He also said it was unfortunate that the SP members opposing the bill in the Rajya Sabha were asked to leave the House.
The UPA is left with around 250 MPs in the Lok Sabha after the Trinamool Congress withdrew its support.
Bill may sail easily with BJP's support
It is surviving on support of 22 SP MPs and 21 Bahujan Samaj Party MPs. BSP chief Mayawati had threatened to withdraw support if Congress failed to table the bill and put it for voting in parliament . Voting on the bill in the Rajya Sabha is expected on Monday and later in Lok Sabha . The bill may sail through easily as Bharatiya Janata Party and other parties are supporting it.
Mulayam, however,did not disclose his party's strategy when the bill comes up for voting in Rajya Sabha. When asked repeatedly whether he will follow Mayawati's tactics to stall the bill, he said, even if the bill was passed, final verdict on the issue would be by the public in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, which can be held earlier.
Yadav also demanded that the Central government should first place facts before the people and parliament on how reservation in promotion will change the situation in government offices. He said the impact of such a drastic move should first be studied.
Mulayam said the bill would benefit just 22% of the population, while rest including upper castes, backwards and minorities will suffer immensely . He also said he was not against reservation but it should be done while keeping abalance in the society.
Comments
Add new comment