Woman reservation bill may pass soon

The Congress and BJP on Friday issued a three-line whip to their members for backing the women's reservation bill coming up in the Rajya Sabha on Monday but the Opponents are bracing up for a fight to stall the legislation hanging fire for 13 years. The 71-MP strong ruling Congress is determined to push ahead with the Constitution amendment bill on Monday in the Rajya Sabha, which has an effective strength of 233, coinciding with the International Women's Day. However, the numbers are stacked against the opponents of the bill which is seen as an attempt by the Congress to break the Opposition unity over issues of price rise and fuel price hike. The BJP, which has 45 members, and the Left parties (22) have already declared their support to the legislation that seeks to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and Assemblies. The Left parties are expected to issue similar whips to their members.