The Lok Sabha today almost unanimously passed a constitutional amendment bill that gives a 10 percent reservation to economically backward people in the general category.
The bill, which is widely seen as a vote bank pleaser ahead of the general assembly elections this year, was passed in the Lok Sabha with a majority of 323 votes. Only three voted against it. The bill will now be tabled in the Rajya Sabha.
Most parliamenterians took to microblogging site Twitter to praise the bill. However, there were some who had apprehensions.
Here's what political leaders and parliamentarians said about the new quota bill:
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
The passage of The Constitution (One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha is a landmark moment in our nation's history.
It sets into motion the process to achieve an effective measure that ensures justice for all sections of society.Asaduddin Owaisi, MP, AIMIM
Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice.
Constitution doesn't permit reservations on economic groundshttps://t.co/KrHNruMXseSuresh Prabhu, Minister Of Commerce And India
Historic decision by PM Shri @narendramodi ji. 10% reservations in jobs & higher education to economically weaker sections regardless of caste, creed or religion will go a long way in providing social justice and equal opportunity to all. #SabkaSaathSabkaVikas #QuotaBill pic.twitter.com/fA0Cle9pGu
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, MP, BJP
Historic day! #LokSabha decisively pass Constitution (124th Amendment) bill providing 10% reservation for economically backward sections in Gen Category. Big step to empower all those who require the support. Congratulate Govt led by Hon PM @narendramodi ji#SabkaSaathSabkaVikas
Sudip Bandhopadhyay, MP, TMC
Sudip Bandyopadhyay, TMC in Lok Sabha: Why does the Government not take up the women reservation bill with the same priority as this quota bill? This bill is not only about jobs, but also about misleading the youth with false hopes and fake dreams pic.twitter.com/7BKnXtSerH
Sanjay Nirupam, MP, Congress
10% reservation for economically backward class from upper cast is a good idea. Hope its not an election Jumla of #ModiGovt and its legally equipped to face any PIL type of challenge in future.
Economically weaker Sawarna children have been complaining for a long time. https://t.co/yOzqvYS3ewRajnath Singh, Home Minister
Rajnath Singh: It's a historic bill. Those people who couldn't get the benefits of reservation till now will be benefited. It had been a demand of people since a long time. This bill has been brought in interest of the nation. I'm assured that it'll be passed in Rajya Sabha also pic.twitter.com/S61LobNHHP
M Thambidurai, MP, AIADMK
M Thambidurai, AIADMK in Lok Sabha: Have govt schemes for the poor failed? There are enough schemes. This reservation bill which you are bringing will be struck down by the Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/zEfmY7EXxW
Amit Shah, MP, BJP
हर वर्ग की आकांक्षाओं को करती साकार...मोदी सरकार
देश के आर्थिक रूप से कमजोर वर्ग को आरक्षण देने वाला ऐतिहासिक संविधान संशोधन बिल लोक सभा में पारित होने पर प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी और सभी सहयोगियों का ह्रदय से अभिनंदन।Yogendra Yadav, Leader, Swaraj Abhiyan
Can the govt place a simple data in the parliament before amending constitution:
What % of central govt jobs have gone to "poor upper caste" (as per Govt's definition: below 8L etc) in the last 5 or 10 years?
If it's more than 10% (as must be the case) why amend constitution?Sitaram Yechury, Leader, CPI (M)
An Constitution amendment requires time and the approval of the majority of the state legislatures. The haste with which the Union Cabinet has decided, completely exposes the Modi govt's intentions of using this issue, hoping for electoral dividends. https://t.co/4fRFNyJqdP
Omar Abdullah, Leader, National Conference
Reservation for economically backward upper castes. The bugle announcing the elections has well & truly sounded.
Yashwant Sinha, Former Finance Minister
The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed.
Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister
FM Arun Jaitley in Lok Sabha: This reservation bill ensures 'sabka saath, sabka vikas'. It is a move for equality, will enable social upliftment. pic.twitter.com/Eb81Yk840K
Poonam Mahajan, MP, BJP
"Sabka sath, sabka vikas" is not just a phrase but the topmost priority of our NDA govt."
Congratulations to Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi ji as the Lok Sabha passes #QuotaBill with the provision to give10% reservation in jobs to economically backward upper castes.Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
