Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a sharp attack on the Opposition following the failure of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, stating that those who opposed it have “committed a mistake” and will have to “face consequences.”
The remarks come a day after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which proposed 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, failed to clear the two-thirds majority requirement in Parliament.
Bill Falls Short in Parliament Vote
The crucial legislation secured 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the required constitutional threshold. The debate on the Bill, which began on Thursday, continued late into the night before the final result was announced on Friday.
The setback has triggered a major political confrontation between the ruling party and the Opposition, with both sides exchanging sharp accusations over the Bill’s failure.
PM Modi’s Strong Warning
According to sources, PM Modi told his Cabinet that the Opposition “must face the consequences” and answer to the women of the country for not supporting the Bill.
“They have let down the women of the country. This message must be taken to every village,” the Prime Minister reportedly said, emphasizing that the issue should not be viewed through a political lens but as a matter of national interest.
Opposition’s Stand
Opposition parties maintained that they support women’s reservation in principle but raised concerns over the government’s approach. They argued that the Bill could lead to reduced representation for southern states after delimitation, altering the balance in Parliament.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government was using the Bill as a political tool, while senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the Bill’s defeat a “victory of Opposition unity.”
Government Defends Bill
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders defended the proposal, assuring that southern states would not lose representation and could even see an increase in seats as the total strength of the Lok Sabha expands.
PM Modi, during his address in Parliament, had also assured that no state would suffer injustice due to delimitation changes, and urged all parties to support the Bill in the interest of women’s empowerment.
Political Fallout
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Opposition of blocking a historic opportunity and said they would face public anger for denying women reservation.
He termed the Bill’s defeat a “black stain” on the Opposition, intensifying the political blame game.
What Lies Ahead
With the Bill failing in Parliament, the issue of women’s reservation has once again become a major political flashpoint. While the government has signaled its intent to continue pushing the legislation, Opposition parties have vowed to maintain their resistance over constitutional and procedural concerns.
The debate is expected to dominate the political narrative in the coming weeks as both sides trade charges over one of the most significant social reform proposals in recent years.
