Press Briefing Monday, 8th Mar 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