The controversial yet historic Women's Reservation Bill, ensuring 33% reservation to women in Parliament and state legislative bodies, was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday(9th March, 2010) after two days of high drama that saw suspension of seven members who violently disrupted proceedings.
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Sonia Gandhi(leader of the Congress party), who watched the day-long proceedings of the Rajya Sabha over the Bill on Tuesday, said: "I am grateful to the Opposition... the BJP has supported, the Left has supported... others will also support."
On the passage of the Bill, Ms. Gandhi said: "I am happy and relieved."
Speaking over the incident of a few members of Parliament creating ruckus and literally assaulting Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari on Monday, Ms. Gandhi said: "It was not the right thing to do. I have not witnessed such scenes."On UPA's allies, Ms. Sonia Gandi said: "I can only say I was told all coalition... DMK has always supported, so has Sharad Pawar... I was told Mamata was very enthusiastic. I have not spoken to Mamata yet."Asked to mention about the agitated Lalu and Mulayam, Ms. Sonia said: "When it comes to political issues, personal relations don't count for much... we must all be generous and think of the larger picture...women empowerment is a vision of Rajivji... "
"I am proud in our time..in our government, that we have a woman President and a Speaker," Sonia Gandhi told NDTV in an interview while adding: " The first step has been taken, and then corollary of it, the next step will also be taken. We are committed."
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You may download the Women's Reservation Bill by clicking here.
