Historic Setback: Women’s Reservation Bill Defeated; PM Modi Calls it a "Sin" Against Nari Shakti
In a dramatic turn of events that has reshaped India’s political landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation yesterday following the unexpected defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Despite a spirited debate in the Lok Sabha, the bill—which sought to reserve 33% of seats for women while expanding the House to 850 seats—fell short of the required two-thirds majority. While the government secured 298 votes, it lacked the 352 votes needed to pass a constitutional amendment, marking a rare legislative defeat for the ruling NDA.
The Prime Minister’s Reaction
In his televised address, PM Modi did not mince words. He described the Opposition’s move to block the bill as a "historic sin" against the women of India. He accused the INDIA bloc of being "scared of empowered women" and claimed that dynastic parties are prioritising their political survival over national progress.
In his televised address, PM Modi did not mince words. He described the Opposition’s move to block the bill as a "historic sin" against the women of India. He accused the INDIA bloc of being "scared of empowered women" and claimed that dynastic parties are prioritising their political survival over national progress.
The Delimitation Deadlock
The core of the conflict remains the bill’s link to the Delimitation exercise. The Opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, argued that redrawing electoral maps before a fresh census would unfairly penalise states with successful population control, specifically in the South and Northeast.
The core of the conflict remains the bill’s link to the Delimitation exercise. The Opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, argued that redrawing electoral maps before a fresh census would unfairly penalise states with successful population control, specifically in the South and Northeast.
What’s Next?
With the bill defeated, the government has officially withdrawn the accompanying Delimitation and Union Territory Amendment bills. While the legislation is stalled for now, the Prime Minister has vowed that the fight for "Nari Shakti" (Women's Power) will continue beyond the walls of Parliament.
With the bill defeated, the government has officially withdrawn the accompanying Delimitation and Union Territory Amendment bills. While the legislation is stalled for now, the Prime Minister has vowed that the fight for "Nari Shakti" (Women's Power) will continue beyond the walls of Parliament.
Comments
Post a Comment