1018 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
Dr. Deshmukh : They are as representative as my learned sister here claims to be in this House. And, Sir, it is also their contention that in their discussions they have been able to convert many persons who had agreed with my hon. sister here and who were of her inclination. They are opposed to divorce because they say....
The Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs (Shri Jawaharlal Nehru) : Who are they ?
Dr. Deshmukh : Sir, by this interruption I think the Hon. Prime Minister has admitted the statement that he has not seen them.
Shri Jawaharlal Nehru : I do not know who they are.
Dr. Deshmukh : There is a Women’s League in existence in India and....
Shrimati Durgabai : Yes, nobody denies that; but we want to know the names of these two ladies.
The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture (Shri Thirumala Rao) : He is referring to persons who are outside the House and are not in a position to defend themselves.
Mr. Deputy Speaker : There is no question of defence or offence.
Dr. Deshmukh : I am glad Shrimati Durgabai admits the existence of a Women’s League
Mr. Deputy Speaker : There are opinions and opinions on the Code hon. Members are entitled to say that there is a certain opinion, that some ladies came to him and represented it to him. Further reference to the ladies is not necessary. It is for the House to accept or reject such an opinion of those people. In so far as a Member wants to mention the opinion which he is either going to support or controvert he can do so, instead of saying two ladies every now and then.
Shri Jawaharlal Nehru : The difficulty is that he particularly referred to me and wants me to see unknown people of unknown whereabouts. How can I do that ?
Dr. Deshmukh : They will not remain unknown and unseen as soon as they appear before the Prime Minister.
Shri Karunakara Menon (Madras) : Are they above sixty or below sixty ?
Mr. Deputy Speaker : Evidently the Prime Minister has not given an interview to those ladies. If the hon. Member is not willing to give the names, he will communicate them.
Shrimati Durgabai : Unless they want to remain anonymous.