Kiren Rijiju's Bold Remarks: Consequences Await Congress for Women's Reservation Bill Opposition

Rijiju Critiques Congress at Basaveshwara Statue Unveiling

New Delhi: On Monday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju launched a fierce critique of the Congress party and its allies during a ceremony at the Parliament complex, which celebrated the installation of a statue of Jagajyothi Basaveshwara in Delhi. He asserted that they would have to 'face consequences' for their opposition to the Women's Reservation Bill.

In his address to the press, Rijiju expressed strong disapproval of the Opposition following the Lok Sabha's rejection of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2026.

This proposed legislation aimed to allocate 33 percent of seats for women in Parliament but fell short of the necessary two-thirds majority, garnering 298 votes in favor and 230 against.

Referencing the Prime Minister's comments, Rijiju stated, 'The Prime Minister indicated that while we cannot disclose our next steps immediately, our commitment to securing women's rights remains steadfast. Those who opposed and obstructed this bill must be held accountable. The defeat of the Women's Reservation Bill should not go unpunished. We are presenting this to the women of our nation: those who resisted women's reservation must face repercussions, and the stain on Congress for denying this will never be erased.'

He continued, 'There should be no misunderstanding, nor should anyone be misled by statements from Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, or the Indian National Congress. Engaging in pointless debates is unnecessary. Consider this simply – it was a bill aimed at providing reservations for women, and Congress and its allies chose not to support it. Now they are making excuses. Women across the nation are outraged, and out of fear, they are trying to justify their actions; this is not a matter for excuses.'

Rijiju made these comments during the ceremony at the Parliament complex, where the statue of Jagajyothi Basaveshwara was unveiled at Prerna Sthal.

He described the event as a significant moment, stating, 'It is a great honor and privilege for all of us that a splendid statue of Jagajyothi Basaveshwara has been erected at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament complex. On this auspicious occasion, we have gathered here with our esteemed colleagues, including H.D. Kumaraswamy and others. We paid floral tributes to Mahatma Basaveshwara's statue, offered prayers, and sought his blessings.'

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy echoed Rijiju's sentiments, remarking, 'Our revered Mahatma Basaveshwara, during the 12th century, at a time when the nation faced significant challenges, empowered society and uplifted people through his philosophy of 'Kayakave Kailasa.'