PM Modi Condemns Opposition's 'Anti-Women' Stance After Bill Defeat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday issued a stern warning to the Congress and other opposition parties, stating they will face significant political consequences for their failure to support the crucial women's reservation bill. During a Union Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister directed his ministers to actively expose what he termed the Opposition's "anti-women" mindset before the public, according to sources quoted by news agency PTI.
Government's Commitment to Women's Reservation by 2029
Prime Minister Modi reiterated his government's unwavering commitment to implement women's reservation by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, despite the recent legislative setback. He emphasized that the opposition had committed a "big mistake" by not voting in favor of the Constitution amendment Bill and would inevitably face repercussions for their stance.
The Prime Minister instructed his Cabinet colleagues to take this critical message directly to the grassroots level, reaching every village across the nation. He specifically asked ministers to highlight the Opposition's position on social media platforms, ensuring widespread awareness of what the government characterizes as anti-women policies.
Legislative Failure in Parliament
The Constitution amendment Bill, which aimed to reserve 33% of seats for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority during Friday's parliamentary session. The legislation received only 298 votes in favor, while 230 Members of Parliament opposed it following an intense debate that extended from Thursday into the early hours of Friday.
PM Modi noted that after taking such a definitive stand in the Lok Sabha, opposition parties are now attempting to justify their position and obscure their actions. Several ministers reportedly expressed their views on the opposition's stance during the Cabinet meeting, adding to the government's unified criticism.
Opposition Response and Political Fallout
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra hailed the defeat of the related Delimitation Bill as a "victory of democracy," accusing the central government of conspiring to alter India's federal structure. During a press conference, she stated, "What happened yesterday was a huge victory for democracy. The government's conspiracy to alter the federal structure and weaken democracy was defeated and stopped."
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has launched a counter-offensive, accusing opposition parties of obstructing historic reform that would ensure gender equality in political representation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah specifically named the Congress and Trinamool Congress among parties that prevented the bill's passage, warning of inevitable political consequences for their actions.
The women's reservation legislation represents one of the most significant proposed constitutional changes in recent years, with its failure marking a major parliamentary development that continues to generate intense political debate across party lines.
