Kiren Rijiju Slams Congress for Anti-Women Stance After Bill Defeat

Political Fallout Over Women's Reservation Bill

New Delhi: Following the opposition's successful move to block a constitutional amendment aimed at enhancing women's representation in legislatures, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the Congress party of being anti-women. He warned that the party would face backlash from women across the nation.

Rijiju stated, "It has become clear that the Congress is against women's rights... They will have to confront the anger of women in this country." He criticized the opposition for celebrating what he termed a deprivation of women's rights, asserting that women would respond appropriately.

The defeated Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill sought to increase Lok Sabha seats by up to 50% to implement the women's reservation law ahead of the 2029 parliamentary elections, contingent on a delimitation process based on the 2011 Census.

Additionally, the bill aimed to raise the number of seats in state and union territory assemblies to ensure a 33% reservation for women.

During the voting process in the Lok Sabha on Friday night, 298 members supported the bill, while 230 opposed it. Out of 528 voting members, a two-thirds majority of 352 votes was necessary for the bill to pass.