Promotion quota bill stuck in well as BSP, SP stick to divergent positions

NEW DELHI: The government found itself boxed in over the bill on quota in promotions with BSP and SP - the two parties that lend outside support to the Centre - sticking to their divergent positions on the issue. While BSP continued to insist on its passage, SP parliamentarians invaded the well of the Rajya Sabha to thwart the attempts to give parliamentary approval to the issue.

The House had to be adjourned repeatedly as SP parliamentarians stayed put in the well of the House, chanting slogans against the measure. SP's stand against the bill also got the backing of Shiv Sena.

Deputy chairman PJ Kurien asked protesting members not to disrupt proceedings. Though minister of state in PMO V Narayanasamy rose to table the bill, Kurien had to adjourn the House till 3pm because of the din. But unrelenting SP members trooped into the well as soon as the House reassembled.

EM Sudarsana Natchiappan, who was in the chair, asked the members to get back to their respective seats, but SP members refused to oblige. BSP has threatened to take a tough stand in case the government does not help bring order in the Rajya Sabha.

"We will see for two-three days more... We will then take a tough stand against the government," Mayawati had said on Monday.