New and positive chapter: Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Chandra hails passing of 10% quota bill in LS

A landmark bill seeking to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for the general category poor was passed by the Lok Sabha Tuesday, with most parties backing the measure, described by the government as "historic" and in the country's interest.

As many as 323 members voted in support of bill and only three voted against, underlining the cross-party support the politically crucial bill elicited. Replying to an over four and half hour debate, Social Justice Minister Thaavarchand Gehlot sought to allay doubts raised by several opposition members about the legislation's fate if challenged in the Supreme Court, saying he can say with confidence that the apex court will accept it.

Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Chandra called it a positive chapter in the history of independent India. 

"Passing of bill in Lok Sabha for reservation based on economically weak people, is a new & positive chapter in the history of independent India. This will herald social harmoney & samrasta in Bharat. Congratulations to all Indians", he tweeted.

Passing of bill in Lok Sabha for reservation based on economically weak people, is a new & positive chapter in the history of independent India. This will herald social harmoney & samrasta in Bharat. Congratulations to all Indians

— Subhash Chandra (@subhashchandra) January 8, 2019

Four parties expressed opposition to the Bill - Tamil Nadu's All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), West Bengal's Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Kerala's Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). However, the AIADMK and TMC - who together account for 71 seats - walked out and were not present for the vote, meaning though they opposed the Bill they did not vote against it.

‏