Karunanidhi Calls on Sonia, Demands Early Passage of Women’s Bill

Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi on Monday called on UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and demanded that the Women’s Reservation Bill be passed soon in Lok Sabha, reported PTI.

On three-day visit to national capital, Karunanidhi met Sonia at her 10, Janpath residence, report said.

He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh later in the evening.

In the meeting that lasted nearly 30 minutes, many issues including passage of Women’s Reservation Bill came up for discussions between the two leaders, report said.

Rajya Sabha has already passed the bill by a two-third majority with the support of the BJP and Left parties.

“I told Sonia Gandhi that steps should be taken to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha as soon as possible,” Karunanidhi was quoted as saying.

Besides, the Tamil Nadu chief minister brought to Sonia’s notice the need for Parliament to pass the Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution to revive the Legislative Council, which was abolished in 1984.

The DMK chief was accompanied by his daughter-MP Kanimozhi and grand nephew and Union Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran.

In response to a query whether he discussed any political issue with Sonia, the DMK chief said, “There is more time for the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu to come….”

He replied in negative another question if inter-State water disputes came up for discussion, report said.