MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticises Centre over delayed rollout of women's quota Bill

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Bill right before the Lok Sabha elections.

Chaturvedi claimed that the BJP lacked «willpower» to give reservations to the women.

Speaking about BJP leader Uma Bharti's recent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which she demanded 50 per cent reservation for OBC, SC, and ST women, Chaturvedi said, «A few days ago, Uma Bharti herself said that there should be this (OBC quota) provision in the bill (Women's Reservation Bill). It's clear that she must be pulled up or scolded.»

«If BJP had this willpower, this bill would have come long ago and not 6 months before the elections,» Priyanka told ANI

Bharati on Saturday said that she would not let the Bill get implemented unless it takes into account the OBC quota.

«I (Women) represent half of the population of the country. We have accepted the bill which accounts for 33 per cent reservation to women, but I will not let the bill get implemented unless it takes into account the OBCs,» the BJP leader said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Bharti wrote to PM Modi over the tabling of the women's reservation Bill, demanding that of the 33-per cent reservation assured for women in the legislative bodies, 50 per cent should be set aside for ST, SC and OBC communities.

«I am presenting a proposal for an amendment before you (PM Modi) as well.

I am confident that you will get this Bill passed with the proposed amendments. 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative bodies is a special provision.