Press
Briefing Monday, 8th March 2010
Shri
Abhishek Singhvi addressed the media today.
Shri Abhishek Singhvi said that the Women’s Reservation
Bill is a subject where the only question is when and
not if. It is an idea whose time has come and the
inevitable cannot be postponed despite all the churlish
attempts to the contrary. Something which would and
should have made India, Indian womanhood and Indian
democracy proud, is being turned by a bare handful of
persons into the shame of democracy. The Congress party
condemns it; the Congress party characterizes it as
deplorable and denigratable. It is a clear reflection of
the true approach and thinking of these handfuls of
persons and that thinking which stands exposed that
‘mansikta’ brings shame on Indian democracy on the proud
name of Indian parliament but we shall not give up, we
shall and we will overcome each barrier and each bastion
is surely falling, giving way and the few people who
stand up to oppose this, realize the impact and the
force of public opprobrium of public denigration. In
particular, we condemn in the strongest possible words
the shameful conduct of climbing on the dais and
virtually attacking even the Chair. The Indian democracy
is shamed by such incidents. Even the chair is not
sacrosanct. But as I said such actions only expose the
actors and they shall not be able to postpone the
inevitable.
To a question if the Congress party is doubtful of the
passage of this Bill, Shri Singhvi said that obviously
before cameras, he cannot give any guarantees or any
absolute statements. We are after all functioning within
the constraints of the democracy in the temple of
democracy namely Parliament. Shri Singhvi said that
there is very rarely if ever that in one day the House
has met in full numbers and this applies to both the
Houses after not one, not two, not three but four
adjournments.
After all that shows the true intent, the true grit,
determination and the will to do something. So, as far
as the intention, the desire and the determination are
concerned, no one but no one can bear any doubt. As far
as transforming it into reality is concerned, everyone
understands the constraints of democracy, the fact that
balances have to be struck where a constitutional
amendment is involved on the issues and the need for
discussion on voting so on and so forth. It is only a
question of time and time is very short.
On another related question as if there is any
opposition in the form of sub quota or some reduced
quota, Shri Singhvi said that we have been engaging them
and as we speak, there is another engagement going on.
The question is that counter proposal has to come from
them. Their approach is not one of nitty-gritty or
counter proposal as you are putting in. There is
absolute ‘no-go’ and absolute obstructive attitude and
absolute barrier to be created physically. So in a sense
your question is hypothetical and completely
speculative.
On the question of the BJP’s statement that there does
not appear to be any road map, Shri Singhvi said that he
would prefer not to comment on such issues for the
simple reason that there are very rare occasions where
there is broad spectrum degree of unanimity on the need
for the Bill. Let us not say or do anything to dilute or
affect that unity. Shri Singhvi further said that the
road map is simple. Road maps sometimes complicate
things if the road maps are complicated. The road map
is, this bill has to be passed. Some way is being found,
some way will be found. It is a question of time and the
time is very short.
Tom Vadakkan
Secretary, AICC
