India’s Lok Sabha Rejects Women’s Reservation Constitutional Amendment Bill
The Indian Lok Sabha defeated the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, which sought to implement 33% reservation for women in legislatures alongside constituency delimitation. The bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority, marking a significant legislative setback for the Modi government. Intense political debate ensued, with the BJP accusing the opposition of sabotaging women's empowerment for political gain, while opposition parties criticized the hasty delimitation process and demanded a caste census. This event has sparked nationwide controversy regarding gender justice, federal representation, and electoral strategy ahead of future polls.
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Congress Slams Government: Women's Reservation Bill Defeat Was 'Modi Preservation'
The Indian National Congress has strongly criticized the Modi government following the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on April 17, 2026. The bill, which sought to implement women's reservation by increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 through delimitation, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asserted that the legislation was a deceptive attempt to push delimitation under the guise of women's empowerment, labeling it an effort for 'Modi preservation' rather than genuine social justice. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using propaganda to mislead women voters and highlighted the party's delay in implementing the previously passed Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The Congress demands the immediate implementation of women's quota on the current parliamentary strength and calls for an all-party meeting to discuss proposals in writing. They also urged the inclusion of OBC women in future reservations. The defeat is portrayed by the opposition as a victory for constitutional democracy against 'bulldozer politics,' with Congress insisting that women recognize their consistent support for gender reservation in local bodies.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduBJP Accuses INDI Alliance of Deceiving Women After Reservation Bill Defeat
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have strongly criticized the opposition INDI alliance for obstructing the passage of the Women Reservation Bill, also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, in the Lok Sabha. The constitutional amendment bill, which sought to implement 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures starting from 2029, was defeated after securing only 298 votes against the required two-thirds majority of 352. During a press conference titled 'Mahila Jan Aakrosh' in Jalandhar, Punjab, Khattar accused the opposition of sabotaging women's empowerment and prioritizing political interests over national welfare. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Baby Rani Maurya joined the criticism, stating that parties like Congress, TMC, DMK, and Samajwadi Party insulted women by blocking their rights. She highlighted the central government's previous welfare initiatives for women. In response to the legislative defeat, the BJP has announced a nationwide outreach campaign to mobilize public opinion, particularly among female voters, framing the issue as a key electoral topic ahead of upcoming engagements.
The Indian ExpressYogi Adityanath Compares Opposition's Bill Defeat to Draupadi's Disrobing
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly criticized the INDIA bloc opposition parties for defeating the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. In a sharp rebuke, Adityanath likened the behavior of opposition leaders during the parliamentary debate to the mythological disrobing of Draupadi, describing their actions as disrespectful and irresponsible. He specifically targeted the Samajwadi Party (SP) for demanding separate quotas for Muslim women, arguing that such demands contradict the spirit of B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution, which rejects religion-based reservations. Adityanath emphasized that the bill is a progressive step toward women's empowerment that does not infringe upon anyone's existing rights. He further questioned the opposition's historical record on women's rights, citing issues like the Shah Bano case and triple talaq, accusing them of fragmenting a unified empowerment effort for political gain. The statement highlights the intense political friction surrounding gender quota legislation in India, with the ruling party framing the opposition's stance as regressive and against constitutional values.
The Indian ExpressAkhilesh Yadav Criticizes BJP for Hasty Delimitation Without Caste Census
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following the defeat of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. The bill, which aimed to implement 33% women's reservation and facilitate constituency delimitation, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. Yadav clarified that his party supports women's reservation in principle but opposes hasty delimitation conducted without a prior caste census. He accused the BJP of using divisive politics and reducing women's rights to mere slogans, warning that such measures could lead to proxy representation by male relatives. Yadav asserted that the government lost its moral authority to rule after the bill's defeat and claimed that aware women would not support the BJP due to its narrow-minded ideology. He emphasized the need for a caste census to ensure fair representation for backward classes, Dalits, and minorities, labeling the proposed bill as a 'black paper' designed to deceive marginalized communities.
The Indian ExpressYogi Adityanath Slams Opposition for Defeat of Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly criticized the INDIA bloc opposition parties, particularly the Samajwadi Party, for the defeat of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. The bill, aimed at implementing a 33% reservation for women in parliament and state assemblies following delimitation, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. Adityanath likened the opposition's behavior during the debate to the disrobing of Draupadi in the Mahabharata, accusing them of acting against the spirit of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by raising irrelevant issues such as separate quotas for Muslim women. He emphasized that the legislation is a progressive step for women's empowerment that does not infringe on existing rights. The Chief Minister also highlighted assurances given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah regarding proportional representation for southern states. This marks the first significant legislative defeat for the Narendra Modi government in Parliament, sparking intense political debate over gender justice and constitutional amendments.
The Indian Express