President asks parties to pass women's bill

New Delhi: President Pratibha Patil on Monday urged all political parties to pass the women's reservation bill, which was blocked in the Rajya Sabha earlier in the day, with consensus.

"I appeal to all political parties to pass the women reservation bill and as far as possible I would be grateful if it is passed by consultation and consensus," she told reporters.

"I am hopeful that the will be passed in this session of parliament. I am not disappointed with what happened in parliament today. If the bill is passed, it would empower women. If more women would come to politics, they will think about other women in the country," she said.

The bill seeks to reserve a third of seats in parliament and state legislatures for women.