Tharoor Defends Women's Representation After Women's Reservation Bill Defeat
'No One Could Ever Call Me Anti-Women': Tharoor Recalls Exchange With Rijiju After Women’s Bill Defeat
News 18
Image: News 18
Following the defeat of the women's reservation bill in India's Lok Sabha, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor discussed a conversation with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. Tharoor emphasized the importance of women's representation in governance and cautioned against linking it to delimitation, which could undermine democracy.
- 01The women's reservation bill aimed to provide 33% representation for women in legislatures but was defeated in the Lok Sabha.
- 02Shashi Tharoor engaged in a conversation with Kiren Rijiju, defending his stance on women's representation.
- 03Tharoor cautioned against linking women's advancement to delimitation, which could harm democratic processes.
- 04The bill proposed increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 based on the 2011 Census.
- 05The Congress party criticized the government's approach, while the BJP warned of public backlash against those opposing the bill.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which aimed to reserve 33% of seats for women in India's legislatures starting in 2029, was defeated in the Lok Sabha after receiving 298 votes in favor and 230 against, falling short of the 352 votes needed for a two-thirds majority. Following the vote, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recounted a conversation with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, where he refuted claims that the Opposition was 'mahila virodhi' (anti-women). Tharoor reiterated the need for greater women's representation in governance, stating that they are the 'better half of the species' and should not have their advancement tied to the proposed delimitation of constituencies, which could threaten democratic integrity. The Congress party condemned the bill's defeat as a defense of democratic values, while the BJP labeled it a 'black day' for women's rights, warning of potential public anger from women voters against the opposition.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The defeat of the women's reservation bill may hinder progress towards gender equality in Indian politics, affecting women's representation in governance.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support the implementation of a women's reservation bill in India?
Connecting to poll...
More about Congress
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Criticizes Mamata Banerjee's Role in Voter Name Deletions Ahead of Assembly Elections
The Economic Times • Apr 18, 2026
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Criticizes Opposition for Anti-Women Stance Ahead of Elections
Hindustan Times • Apr 18, 2026
PM Modi Addresses Nation Following Lok Sabha Setback on Women's Reservation Bill
News 18 • Apr 18, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.