BJP Leaders Criticize Opposition for Defeating Women's Reservation Bill
Rajnath leads BJP chorus: Opposition stands exposed, put own interest above that of nation
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
Following the defeat of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, BJP leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, condemned the Opposition for prioritizing political interests over women's empowerment. They emphasized the importance of the bill in granting 33% reservation to women in legislative bodies.
- 01The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill aimed to provide 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
- 02BJP leaders accused the Opposition of sacrificing women's empowerment for political gain.
- 03Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the day as 'extremely unfortunate' for Indian democracy.
- 04Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the Congress and its allies for their repeated opposition to women's rights.
- 05Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan warned of a backlash from women voters against the Opposition.
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The BJP's national leadership, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, expressed strong disapproval following the defeat of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha. Singh labeled the day as an 'extremely unfortunate' moment in Indian democracy, claiming it revealed the 'anti-women character' of the Congress-led INDIA bloc. He criticized the Opposition for prioritizing their political self-interest over women's empowerment, stating that the bill was a crucial opportunity to respect and empower women in India. Home Minister Amit Shah echoed these sentiments, condemning the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and Samajwadi Party for obstructing the passage of the bill, which would have granted 33% reservation for women. Shah warned that this decision would have lasting repercussions, asserting that women would hold the Opposition accountable in future elections. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan added that the day marked a betrayal of women and democracy, predicting that women would protest against the Opposition's actions.
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The failure to pass the bill means women will continue to lack guaranteed representation in legislative bodies, potentially affecting their political influence and empowerment.
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