General Category Reservation Bill: Lok Sabha passes historic quota bill with 323 votes, Rajya Sabha next

The Congress described the government's decision as an "election gimmick" to fool the people and a proof of BJP's "fear" of losing Lok Sabha polls.  Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi accused the government of "posturing" and misleading the country as it did not have the requisite majority to get a Constitutional amendment passed in Parliament.  The BJP hailed the move with several leaders describing it as historic and exercise in sync with government's motto of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas" (with all, development for all). BJP ally and Dalit leader Ram Vilas Paswan also termed the decision by the government as "historic". The Samajwadi party also supported the quota bill. The passage of the bill requires support of at least, 346 votes, two-thirds of the members in both the Houses. The government lacks numbers in Rajya Sabha and may face a major impediment in getting the bill approved. The proposed reservation will be over and above the existing 50 per cent reservation availed by the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and the Other Backward Classes, taking the total reservation to 59.5 percent. The bill applies to those falling under the Rs 8 lakh annual income and not owning more than five acres of agricultural land. They should also not own a flat of 1000 sq ft or more, land of 100 yards in notified municipality area and 200 yards in non-notified area. Political experts believe the move is to woo the votes of the forward caste Hindus who have traditionally been voting for the saffron party. It also comes in the backdrop of the amendments to the SC/ST Act that many believe has caused disenchantment among the General castes.