Coimbatore: All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) on May 30 termed as "political match fixing" the postponement of passage of the Women's Bill and referring it to the Speaker.

"Despite two-thirds majority, with the written support of Congress and Left parties, where was the need for the Prime Minister to refer the issue to the Speaker?" AIDWA general secretary Brinda Karat asked a press conference.

If the Prime Minister chose, the Bill could have been through, as was done with regard to many Bills, including Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), but was allowed to be hijacked by a minority in the Lok Sabha, including some National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies, she alleged.

This clearly indicated "the hypocrisy and double standards of the Centre and lack of political will" for passing the Bill despite having consensus, Brinda said.

Asked whether this was because of "fear" of men, she said, "It is not men vs women, but an issue of vision of democracy."

For the past six to seven years, there was an increase in the independent participation of women in various bodies, without being remote-controlled by men, as alleged in certain quarters, Brinda pointed out.

The association has appealed to the women to demonstrate all over the country on June 16, the day an all-party meeting was scheduled, to exert pressure on political leaders not to shift their commitment to the passage of the Bill, Brinda said.

PTI