Rajya Sabha LIVE: ‘Victory for social justice,’ PM Modi tweets after Parliament clears quota bill
Rajya Sabha members have a busy day ahead as key bills come up for passage today, the last day of the winter session. The session has been extended by a day as the government seeks to pass a constitution amendment bill to provide quota for poorer sections among the general category, a bill on the Citizenship Act and one on instant triple talaq.
‘Victory for social justice’: PM Modi
“Victory for social justice,” tweeted PM Narendra Modi after Parliament cleared bill to introduce 10% quota for poorer sections.
10:35 pm ISTPassage of The Constitution (One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019 in both Houses of Parliament is a victory for social justice.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2019
It ensures a wider canvas for our Yuva Shakti to showcase their prowess and contribute towards India’s transformation.
Amit Shah thanks RS members for supporting quota bill
BJP natonal president Amit Shah thanked all the members of the Rajya Sabha who helped in passing the bill to introduce 10% quota for poorer sections.
10:22 pm IST10% quota for poorer sections cleared by Parliament
The bill to introduce 10% quota for poorer sections has been cleared by the Parliament. The Opposition, too, extended its support to the bill. The Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed in the upper house of the parliament with 165 ‘ayes’.
10:10 pm ISTVoting to grant 10% quota to poorer sections begins in Rajya Sabha
Voting to grant 10% quota to economically weaker sections has begun in Rajya Sabha.
10:05 pm ISTQuota bill not to go to select committee
Rajya Sabha rejected the amendment to refer the quota bill to a select committee.
10:02 pm ISTVoting to send quota bill to select committee begins in RS
Voting to send quota bill which proposes 10% quota for poorer sections has begun in Rajya Sabha
9:46 pm ISTProposal of quota for poorer section was mentioned in every party’s manifesto: Union minister Thawar Chand Gehlot
“A lot of members are opposing the bill, saying it is not practical enough to be implemented. However, the proposal of quota for poorer section was mentioned in every party’s manifesto. I want to ask, how they would have implemented it?” questioned minister Minister of social justice and empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot.
9:39 pm IST‘If quota bill was brought 3 months ago, Oppn would still have said that it is for elections’: Amar Singh
“I want to ask those opposing the bill, shouldn’t vote, why are they voting? If the government would have brought the bill 3 months ago, the Opposition would have said it’s for state assembly election. When the government is bringing it now, they are saying that it is for Lok Sabha polls,” said Amar Singh.
9:30 pm ISTPM Modi assured ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ through quota bill: BJP’s GVL Narsimha Rao
“I salute PM Modi for assuring ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ through quota bill. The Prime Minister and the BJP government did justice to the poor section of the society in real sense,” said BJP’s GVL Narsimha Rao
9:28 pm ISTHope the bill benefits the target group it is meant for: KC(M) MP
I support the bill in spirit, I hope the bill benefits the target group it is meant for. But why has it been brought on the last day of the session, it should have been brought earlier, so that a quality discussion could have held on it. I hope it doesn’t turn out to be a gimmick like demonetisation,” said KC(M)’s Jose K Mani
9:24 pm ISTBJP is for every caste, every religion, everyone: MoS Ramdas Athawale
“The BJP is for dalits, for all communities, for every religion, every caste, everyone,” said MoS social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale.
9:12 pm ISTThis bill is killing the spirit of constitution: IUML’s Abdul wahab
“This is a draconian bill which is killing the spirit of constitution. This bill wouldn’t have been passed in any house if was tabled in the current form earlier,” said IUML’s Abdul wahab
9:07 pm ISTQuota bill is political gimmick: TDP’s Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar
“This bill is not going to benefit anyone. This bill is nothing but a political gimmick, which is brought at the fag end of the session just keeping elections in mind,” said TDP’s Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar
9:01 pm ISTHistoric moment for us, opposition shouldn’t stall quota bill: Nominated member Rakesh Sinha
“It’s a historic moment for us. So, the opposition shouldn’t try and obstruct its path as it is doing over the issue of Ram mandir,” said nominated member Rakesh Sinha.
8:52 pm ISTQuota bill brought to end reservation for socially backward classes: AAP’s Sanjay Singh
“The bill has been brought to end quota for dalits and other backward. This is the actual agenda of this government,” said AAP’s Sanjay Singh
8:36 pm ISTThere should be a system wherein meritorious students should be under general category: PL Punia
“There should be a system wherein the meritorious students of all classes should compete under general category,” said PL Punia of Congress.
8:33 pm ISTQuota bill shouldn’t be passed in haste: CPI’s D Raja
“A bill as important as quota bill shouldn’t be passed in haste and should be referred to a select committee,” said CPI’s D Raja.
8:30 pm ISTReservation based on economic criteria is against legislative intent of constitution: CPI’s D Raja
“The reservation based on economic criteria is against the legislative intent of what is said in the constitution,” said CPI’s D Raja.
8:29 pm ISTThe govt is undermining constitution by bringing this bill in a hurry: D Raja
“It’s a constitution amendment bill, but all the government doing is undermining the constitution by bringing this bill in a hurry,” said CPI’s D Raja
8:23 pm ISTEvery party had promised quota based on economic status in 2014, why ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ now: BJP MP Ajay Pratap Singh
“The Opposition questioned this bill asking how will we implement. To that, I just want to say that every party had promised quota based on economic status in 2014, so why ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ now,” said BJP MP Ajay Pratap Singh
8:14 pm ISTThis is not reservation, this is BJP’s self-preservation: Congress’ Kumari Selja
“The bill is a part of nefarious agenda of RSS to dilute reservation. This is not reservation, this is self preservation,” said Congress’ Kumari Selja.
7:57 pm IST‘No new jobs, who will benefit from this quota’: NCP’s Praful Patel
“There are no new jobs, If there won’t be any jobs, who will benefit from this quota?” questioned NCP’s Praful Patel
7:54 pm ISTWe have proposed 16% reservation for Marathas. Will the government now ask us to include them into 10 per cent?: NCP’s Praful Patel
“We have proposed 16% reservation for Marathas. Will the government now ask us to include them into 10 per cent? If so, will have to reduce 6%,” said NCP’s Praful Patel
7:40 pm IST‘Make quota bill pro-poor’: BSP’s Satish Chandra Misra
“The government was forced to bring this bill with eye on elections. Our appeal to them is to fix the bill and make it pro-poor and not pro-rich,” said BSP’s Satish Chandra Misra
7:14 pm ISTWe demand reservation in pvt sector: Ram Vilas Paswan
“Jobs are reducing, so we demand reservation in private sector,” said Ram Vilas Paswan.
7:09 pm ISTQuota bill opens debate for religious minorities: SAD MP
“This bill opens debate for religious minorities like Christians, Muslims and also Sikh community. This bill will not make the youths happy as the government still needs to take more steps to incensitivise the industries,” said SAD’s Naresh Gujral
6:57 pm ISTNo where in the constitution, economically weaker section is defined: Trinamool Congress’ Sukhendu Sekhar Ray
“No where in the constitution, economically weaker section is defined. Now, for the bill, a new definition has been coined. I want an explanation for this,” said Trinamool Congress’ Sukhendu Sekhar Ray
6:44 pm ISTLike notes ban, 10% quota bill is flawed: Congress’s Kapil Sibal
“Like notes ban, this quota bill is also flawed: This is another jumla by this government,” said Congress’s Kapil Sibal.
6:39 pm IST‘Quota bill excludes the poor from socially backward classes’: Kapil Sibal
“The quota bill excludes the poor from socially backward classes. The bill has excluded people who don’t get jobs under OBC or Dalit quota,” said Kapil Sibal.
6:37 pm ISTCountry is crying out for jobs: Kapil Sibal
“You might have thought the bill will brighten up your face and elevate your otherwise saddened situation. But the country can only be happy, if the people of the country are happy. But, right now the country is crying out for jobs,” said Congress’ Kapil Sibal.
6:23 pm IST‘10% quota bill suffers from 3 big flaws’: Congress’ Kapil Sibal
“The quota bill suffers from 3 huge flaws. Is the survey done properly? How was the data collected? How will it be implemented ?” questioned Congress’ Kapil Sibal
6:22 pm ISTWe support the bill, but saddened by the way it has been brought: Kapil Sibal
“We support the bill, but saddened by the way it has been brought. It’s a very important bill, so it should have been sent to a select committee,” Kapil Sibal
6:18 pm IST‘May be we are late but we at least dared to bring this bill’: Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
“The Opposition is complaining that this bill should have been brought earlier. I just want to say may be we are late but we at least dared to bring this bill,” said Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
6:12 pm IST
Why is Opposition supporting bill with ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’: Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
“Why is the Opposition is supporting the bill with ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’? Why aren’t the supporting the bill without riders as we are writing history with this bill,” said Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
6:02 pm ISTSC’s 50% ceiling only applies to quota for socially backward: RS Prasad
“Everyone’s talking about the 50% cap on reservation. There’s no mention of this cap in the Constitution, it has only come up in judgments. The Supreme Court’s 50%,ceiling in fact, only applies to reservation for backward classes,” said Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
5:56 pm ISTWhy are a few casting aspersions on the powers of Parliament?: Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
“Why are a few casting aspersions on the powers of Parliament? The Parliament has been vested the power to amend, change or repeal any section of the Constitution. There’s no limitation to that power, just, it shouldn’t violate basic structure of the Constitution,” said Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
5:54 pm ISTEvery party’s supporting the bill: Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
“Except for DMK, every party is supporting the quota bill,” said Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
‘Economic status can’t be a criteria for reservation’:DMK’s Kanimozhi
“Economic status can not be a criteria for reservation. When you are an OBC, Dalit, you will still face discrimination. You may not be economically weak, but your caste will never leave you,” said DMK’s Kanimozhi
5:38 pm IST‘Quota bill brought to make right wrong’: DMK’s Kanimozhi
“The quota bill has been brought to make right wrong. The government thinks that they can’t decide everything unilaterally and force it upon people of this country,” said DMK’s Kanimozhi
5:36 pm ISTGovernment should address the doubts about the bill: Shiv Sena’s Anil Desai
“What step the government is doing to alleviate unemployment? It shouldn’t be that the bill remains just on paper. Government should address the doubts about the bill,” said Shiv Sena’s Anil Desai
5:34 pm ISTMachinery to decide who will get the benefits of the quota needs to be strengthened: Shiv Sena’s Anil Desai
“We welcome this historic bill. But, the machinery to decide who will get the benefits needs to be strengthened,” said Shiv Sena’s Anil Desai
5:29 pm IST‘Quota bill is a giant step towards economic democracy’: Narendra Jadhav
“This constituent amendment bill is a giant step towards bringing in economic democracy,” Narendra Jadhav, nominated member
5:26 pm ISTWe oppose this bill as this is anti-Dalit: RJD’s Manoj Kumar Jha
“We oppose this bill as this bll is anti-Dalit and anti-poor and we have no qualms in saying this,” said RJD’s Manoj Kumar Jha
5:13 pm IST‘The bill won’t survive judicial scrutiny’: CPI(M)’s Elamaram Kareem
“The bill won’t survive judicial scrutiny. The peole of this country know that this has been brought just for election purposes,” said CPI(M)’s Elamaram Kareem.
5:09 pm IST‘Reservation will not end class and caste deprivation’: CPI(M)’s Elamaram Kareem
“Reservation will not end class and caste deprivation. We need economic reform, land reform to fight this menace,” said CPI(M)’s Elamaram Kareem
5:06 pm IST‘Quota bill an electoral ploy’: CPI(M)’s Elamaram Kareem
“Quota bill is an electoral ploy. The government has no concern for the downtrodden, the bill has been brought with an eye on general elections,” said CPI(M)’s Elamaram Kareem
5:01 pm IST‘Is it even plausible to go beyond the 50% reservation cap?’: TRS’ Dr Prakash Banda
“We should have a common policy. We should look into the policy more carefully. Is it even plausible to go beyond the 50% reservation cap?. We request the govt to either have a common policy or delegate power to the states” said TRS’ Dr Prakash Banda.
4:52 pm ISTThe bill is confusing, should have been referred to a select committee for improvements: TDP
“This is a good bill, a bill as important as the quota bill should have been brought much earlier. Bringing this bill in a hurried manner is not good. The bill is also very confusing. We felt that this bill should have been referred to a select committee for improvements. But, since there isn’t much time, we want to extend our full conditional support to this bill,” said TDP’s YS Chowdary
4:41 pm IST‘This bill will remove the stigma associated with reservation’: JD(U)’s Ram Chandra Prasad Singh
“With this bill, reservation will become universal and not sectional anymore. This bill will remove the stigma attached with reservation,” JD (U)’s Ram Chandra Prasad Singh
4:35 pm IST‘We aren’t opposing the bill, but the intention of the govt’: BJD’s Prasanna Acharya
“No one is opposing the reservation. My only point is what is the point of this rush. We aren’t opposing the bill, but the intention of the govt,” said BJD’s Prasanna Acharya
4:22 pm ISTQuota bill is not practical: BJD’s Prasanna Acharya
“You are going to reserve 10% of seats for government jobs and same for educational institutes. But, there are 90% of people who are out pf this purview. So, this bill is not practical,” said BJD’s Prasanna Acharya
4:16 pm IST‘Coming soon is a coalition government, which may have a common minimum program’: TMC’s Derek O’ Brien
“We have to move through a system of scarcity to a scarcity of plenty. Coming soon is a coalition government, which may have a common minimum program, right now we have a single party government, which maximum confused program,” said TMC MP Derek O’ Brien.
4:06 pm IST‘Quota bill an admission of failure to create jobs’: TMC’s Derek O’ Brien
“I want to alert this government, as we have alerted during demonetisation that Supreme Court is going to ask you some questions, they will ask you what surveys you have done, what numbers you have to prove this bill. Where are the jobs. The quota bill an admission of failure to create jobs,” said TMC MP Derek O’ Brien.
3:50 pm ISTParliament can’t pass a bill which violates basic structure of constitution: AIDMK leader over reservation bill
“Parliament can’t create a law which violated the basic structure of the constitution. According to various judgments, this Parliament is not vested with constituent powers and hence can’t pass a bill which violates the basic structure of the constitution and reservation is a basic structure,” said AIADMK’s A Navaneethakrishnan
3:32 pm ISTDemanded reservation for Muslims on basis of Sachar panel report: SP
We demanded reservation for Muslims on the basis of Sachar committee report: Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party
3:30 pm ISTOBCs be given 54% reservation: SP
OBCs be given 54% reservation in proportion to their population, now that you have broken the 50% reservation ceiling: Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party
3:26 pm ISTIf there are no jobs, what’s the use of reservation: SP
Jobs are being outsourced. Will there be reservation in outsourced jobs? If there are no jobs, what’s the use of reservation: Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party
3:20 pm ISTReserved categories under-represented in bureaucracy: SP
You tried to break the Supreme Court ceiling of 50% reservation. Will it stand the court of law? Reserved categories under-represented in bureaucracy: Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party
3:16 pm ISTWon’t merit be affected if you bring Muslim reservation: Amit Shah
Won’t merit be affected if you bring Muslim reservation: Amit Shah targets Samajwadi Party
3:14 pm ISTHow will govt accommodate such huge population in 10%: SP
98% of upper caste people earn below the income cap of this Bill. How do you accommodate them in 10%: Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party
3:10 pm ISTAim of the quota Bill is 2019 election: Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party
I support the Bill. But this Bill could have come any time. The aim of this Bill is 2019 election. If you had honesty, you could have introduced the Bill 2-3 years ago: Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party
3:02 pm ISTTriple talaq part of BJP politics: Congress
For politics, you brought triple talaq bill, you talk about Muslim women, but what about other women. We supported the quota bill because we also supported the issue: Anand Sharma, Congress
3:00 pm ISTBill introduced with eye on elections: Congress
You (BJP) would have never brought this Bill if you won elections in MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Since you did not win, you thought of this: Anand Sharma, Congress
2:57 pm ISTAnand Sharma takes on BJP over reservation
First improve the economy, generate jobs. Tendency of this govt to bypass legislative proceedings deplorable. Many big personalities of their party do not support reservation: Anand Sharma
2:50 pm ISTJob generation down in PSUs: Anand Sharma
How many people earn more than 8 lakh? In fact, people are losing jobs. Jobs are not being generated. Job generation down in PSUs: Anand Sharma
2:46 pm ISTBill brought with an eye on elections: Anand Sharma
In 2006, during UPA rule, a committee was set up to study the matter. We had this issue in our 2014 manifesto as well. But why did it take four years and seven months to introduce the Bill? BJP has lost MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. BJP realised it is doing something wrong: Anand Sharma, Congress
2:40 pm ISTPM can be seen all over the country, but not in Parliament: Anand Sharma
Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be seen all over the country, in different attires and headgear, but can’t be seen in Parliament: Anand Sharma, Congress
2:32 pm ISTShould stand together for sake of development: BJP
We should stand together for the sake of development: Prabhat Jha, BJP
2:26 pm ISTMandal Commission, Narasimha Rao wanted reservation for upper caste poor: BJP
Even Mandal Commission report and then Prime Minister PVR Narasimha Rao wanted reservation for poor among general category: Prabhat Jha, BJP
2:20 pm ISTNarendra Modi fulfilled long-pending demand: BJP
Every party in its manifesto says that they will provide reservation to poor of general category. Only Narendra Modi fulfilled it: Prabhat Jha, BJP
2:12 pm ISTHave taken steps to tackle infiltration: Rajnath
Many wrong information being spread in the name of Citizenship Bill. Certain areas will be earmarked as protected revenue areas. We have taken steps to strengthen border security to tackle infiltration: Rajnath
2:10 pm ISTMore power to Bodoland Territorial Council: Rajnath
Six communities have been given status of tribes. Rights of existing tribes will not be hurt. We are considerate to demands of Bodo community. Karbi community will also be given tribe status. More power will be given to Bodoland Territorial Council: Rajnath
2:06 pm ISTRajnath assures protection to Assamese
This is not solely about Assam. Minorities in neighbouring countries who are victims of religious persecution will be given relief. Assam has been a victim of infiltration. Will implement Assam Accord. Reservation for Assamese in govt jobs and steps to protect social, cultural and linguistic identity of Assamese.
2:02 pm ISTSituation under control in northeast: Rajnath
Violence had been reported from Assam and other states. The situation is now under control. If required, I will hold meetings with chief ministers of northeastern states: Rajnath Singh
2:00 pm ISTCPI(M) moves amendment in Rajya Sabha
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP TK Rangarajan moves an amendment in the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019, reports ANI.
12:36 pm ISTCongress will support quota Bill in LS and oppose in RS: BJP
Those who do not understand the feelings of people will oppose the Bill. They (Congress) will support the Bill in Lok Sabha and oppose in Rajya Sabha: Prabhat Jha, BJP
12:26 pm ISTBill will uplift poor of the nation: Gehlot
This bill will uplift the poor of the nation. This decision has been taken after thorough consideration: Thaawar Chand Gehlot.
12:24 pm ISTQuota decision after much consideration: Gehlot
There was a complain by poor general category people that they could not avail of govt benefits. The decision has been taken after much consideration. A number of private member bills on the isame issue had been discussed earlier: Thaawar Chand Gehlot
12:22 pm ISTCPI chips in quota debate
House should decide whether to first send the bill to select committee: D Raja, CPI
12:20 pm ISTCongress counters BJP
Govt should specify how much time we should discuss on constitution amendment. You (BJP) are doing this (introducing Bill) for politics, we can see through it: Anand Sharma
12:17 pm ISTCongress raising technical issues to stop Bill: Vijay Goel
Congress raising technical issues to stop Bill. If you openly oppose the bill, it’s different. Otherwise let us have discussion as the Bill has already been introduced: Vijay Goel
12:14 pm ISTCan’t have voting and introduction of bill on same day: Congress
Bill not complete. Can’t have voting and introduction of bill on same day. What is the urgency: Madhusudan Mistry, Congress
12:08 pm ISTRajnath Singh to speak on Assam issue at 2pm
Opposition members troop into the well of the House.
Home minister Rajnath Singh will speak on Assam issue at 2pm, says Vijay Goel.
12:05 pm ISTBJP starts discussion on quota for economically weaker sections
Union minister Thawar Chand Gehlot tables 10% quota bill in Rajya Sabha.
“Our Constitution does not allow reservation on economic basis. Therefore, many poor people of general category miss out on opportunities,” Gehlot says.
11:30 am ISTOpposition members disrupt proceedings
Opposition members troop into the well of the House with banners in hand and raising slogans.
11:25 am ISTOpposition members create uproar
Opposition members create uproar over extension of Rajya Sabha by one day.
11:20 am ISTCountry expects House to function: Arun Jaitley
The country expects the House to function. As per normal working days, we should have been working; on most of them, the House stood adjourned. There is one extra day to consider legislations: Arun Jaitley.
11:17 am ISTNortheast is burning: Anand Sharma
The Northeast is burning. It concerns the safety and security of our nation. The Home minister must answer: Anand Sharma
11:15 am ISTGovt responsible if House doesn’t function: Anand Sharma
The way the House proceedings were extended without the consent of the opposition parties was not right. The situation now is such that there is no dialogue between the Opposition and govt. The govt is responsible if the House doesn’t function: Anand Sharma.
11:14 am ISTNo unanimous decision on extending RS session: Anand Sharma
There was no unanimous decision on extending Rajya Sabha session. There was no discussion on Rafale and other notices we had given. The govt should be blamed if House stops functioning: Anand Sharma, Congress
11:10 am ISTDeputy chairman explains decision to extend Rajya Sabha session
Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh says decision on extension of winter session of Rajya Sabha taken in Business Advisory Committee meeting in which many Opposition leaders were also present.
11:08 am ISTImportant bills to be passed: Vijay Goel
Government wants to extend functioning of the House by a day as there are important bills to be passed; Vijay Goel.
11:06 am ISTBJP counters TMC charge
Vijay Goel, minister of state for parliamentary affairs, counters saying the concern of members should have been that Rajya Sabha working days were wasted due to commotion.
11:02 am ISTTMC says no direction by chairman on Rajya Sabha session extension
Sukhendu Sekhar Ray of Trinamool Congress raises issue of extension of Rajya Sabha session, says there was no direction from the chairman. He says there was no notification, no announcement, but a bulletin issued at 7 pm. This is disregard to Parliament proceedings, he says.
10:54 am ISTOpposition meet on bills to be tabled today
Opposition leaders hold meeting in Parliament premises over bills to be tabled today in the Rajya Sabha and on the government’s move of extending the proceedings, reports ANI.
10:48 am ISTDelhi: Opposition leaders hold meeting in Parliament premises over the Bills to be tabled today in the Rajya Sabha and on government's move of extending the proceedings. pic.twitter.com/hsyrRAtErf
— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2019
Congress supports quota too
Congress, which expressed reservations at the government pushing the bill without getting a parliamentary panel to study the law, later voted in favour of introducing the quota.
10:42 am ISTQuota covers 190 million people
The 10 per cent quota covers nearly 190 million people from the general category and is seen as an effort by the BJP-led national coalition to reach out to upper caste groups and once-dominant agrarian communities such as Patidars, Jats, Gujjars and Marathas, who have been lobbying for reservation.
10:32 am ISTQuota bill in Rajya Sabha today
The quota bill, to be taken up by Rajya Sabha today, if passed will mean that economic status would entitle a person to reservation benefit at the national level.
10:30 am ISTLok Sabha okays 10% reservation for economically weaker sections
On Tuesday, the Lok Sabha passed a constitution amendment bill to introduce 10 per cent reservation for poorer sections among general category aspirants for jobs and educational institutions. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the bill had been supported by 323 members while only 3 members voted against it.