SP, BSP MPs involved in scuffle in RS over quota bill

NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha today witnessed high drama as a scuffle broke out between SP and BSP members when the government introduced a contentious Constitution amendment bill to provide reservation in promotion to SCs and STs in government jobs.

The bill, which seeks to circumvent a Supreme Court order quashing such a decision of Uttar Pradesh government in April, seeks to bring certainty and clarity in the matter by substituting a clause of Article 16 of the Constitution.

The scuffle broke out as soon as Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked the government to move the Constitution (117th Amendment) Bill, 2012.

Members of SP, a party opposed to the bill, were on their feet and party MP Naresh Agrawal proceeded towards the Well.

He was encountered by BSP member Avatar Singh Karimpuri, who grabbed the SP member by his collar to prevent him from trooping into the Well.

At this, other members from the BSP including Brajesh Pathak immediately intervened and held back Karimpuri.

Tempers ran high as the scuffle continued for a few minutes before Karimpuri was finally made to take his seat. Soon marshals were called in the House.

Amid the commotion, the bill was introduced by Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was present when the incident took place.

Six SP members including Ramgopal Yadav and Agrawal then rushed to the Well shouting slogans saying reservations in promotion would not be allowed.