New Delhi:
While the government juggles compulsions and numbers, allies and opposition, one thing is clear. Sources say Sonia Gandhi wants a vote on the Women's bill, soon, political risks notwithstanding.
The sources say that with the Congress president committed to the bill, voting could take place today.
But the Congress, working hard now on building a consensus, is worried that the rebellious Yadavs plus the Opposition can weaken or stall the government on other issues. The Women's bill thus, could affect the government's ability to function. (Read: Why Lalu-Mulayam exit worries govt)
It is not just about the crucial finance bill which needs to be passed in this session of Parliament. The Congress assesses that the finance bill will go through, though with a slim majority, even if the Samajwadi Party and RJD numbers are not with it.
But it is worried about party strength in the Rajya Sabha in the long term for other legislations. In the Upper House, the Congress depends on the numbers that supporters like the Yadavs bring to push bills through.
While the Prime Minister met the three dissenting Yadavs - Mulayam Singh and Lalu Prasad, who have threatened to withdraw support if the government went ahead with the Women's bill, and Sharad Yadav, who too is opposed to it - on Tuesday morning, senior Congress leader and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has met leaders of the Left and the BJP to discuss how to break the impasse. Both the Left and the BJP support the Bill. (Women's Bill: Yadavs meet PM, say not OK)
The sources say that with the Congress president committed to the bill, voting could take place today.
But the Congress, working hard now on building a consensus, is worried that the rebellious Yadavs plus the Opposition can weaken or stall the government on other issues. The Women's bill thus, could affect the government's ability to function. (Read: Why Lalu-Mulayam exit worries govt)
It is not just about the crucial finance bill which needs to be passed in this session of Parliament. The Congress assesses that the finance bill will go through, though with a slim majority, even if the Samajwadi Party and RJD numbers are not with it.
But it is worried about party strength in the Rajya Sabha in the long term for other legislations. In the Upper House, the Congress depends on the numbers that supporters like the Yadavs bring to push bills through.
While the Prime Minister met the three dissenting Yadavs - Mulayam Singh and Lalu Prasad, who have threatened to withdraw support if the government went ahead with the Women's bill, and Sharad Yadav, who too is opposed to it - on Tuesday morning, senior Congress leader and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has met leaders of the Left and the BJP to discuss how to break the impasse. Both the Left and the BJP support the Bill. (Women's Bill: Yadavs meet PM, say not OK)
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