New Delhi, June 16: Yet another attempt at unanimity on women`s reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies failed today but Speaker Manohar Joshi said he hoped to evolve a consensus on the bill, in its current or diluted form, before the monsoon session beginning mid- July. At an over three-hour all-party meeting convened by Joshi, parties opposing the bill in the present form made several suggestions including party-based reservation as proposed by the Election Commission, reduction of the quota from 33 per cent to 15-20 per cent and increasing number of seats to accommodate more women. Briefing reporters later, Joshi said he would have another round of talks with leaders of major political parties and may hold consultations with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition in efforts to evolve a consensus on the issue before the monsoon session of Parliament. "We have come closer. It is not that total unanimity has come in today`s meeting. I am happy most political parties are open on the issue of women`s reservation," Joshi said hoping a consensus would be arrived at.


Parliamentary affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said government was open to supporting an amended or an altogether new bill if unanimity was not possible on the legislation in its current form seeking 33 per cent reservation for women.


Samajwadi party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav said he favoured slashing the quota to around 15 per cent and opposed rotation of constituencies. He claimed support from RJD and BJP`s allies like JD-U, Samata and Shiv Sena.

Bureau Report