NEW DELHI: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated on Saturday that the failure to pass the women’s reservation bill in the Lok Sabha should not be interpreted as a government failure. He emphasized that the Congress party bears responsibility for hindering progress in the country.
At a press conference following the conclusion of the Budget session, Rijiju remarked, “The opposition will have to bear the brunt of being anti-women.” He noted that the Budget Session had been extended for three additional days—April 16, 17, and 18—during which the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and Delimitation Bill were introduced. “We have the majority but did not achieve the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment,” he explained.
Rijiju further asserted, “Congress will have to face the anger of women; celebrating women’s defeat is proof of their anti-women mindset.” This statement came after the bill proposing women’s reservation through a delimitation exercise failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, resulting in 298 votes in favor and 230 against. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla subsequently announced the non-passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill.
In light of this outcome, Rijiju stated that the government would not progress with the remaining two interlinked bills. The BJP has accused opposition parties of blocking a significant reform intended to ensure 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. Union Home Minister Amit Shah argued that parties such as Congress and the TMC obstructed the bill and warned of political ramifications.
Meanwhile, the opposition asserts their commitment to women’s reservation in principle but opposes its linkage to delimitation and census processes. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, characterized the bill as an effort to modify India’s electoral structure, while several Congress leaders defended the vote as a stand for democratic values.
