Congress Blames BJP for Women's Reservation Bill Failure
Synopsis
Following the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, Congress leaders have sharply criticized the Union government, accusing it of insincerity and politicization of women's reservation. The clash between ruling NDA and Opposition intensifies as the political landscape shifts.
Key Takeaways
Congress leaders criticized the BJP-led government for the failure of the Women's Reservation Bill.
The Bill aimed to reserve 33% of parliamentary seats for women .
Despite a simple majority, the Bill lacked the necessary special majority .
Political tensions escalated between NDA and Opposition following the Bill's defeat.
Congress reaffirmed its commitment to women's representation in politics.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) Congress party leaders have vehemently criticized the Union government following the dismissal of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, accusing it of showing no genuine commitment and politicizing the women's reservation topic.
Congress MP Imran Masood expressed his discontent with the government's strategy, stating, "I mentioned this yesterday -- they are not interested in making any real changes. Their approach was merely for show, and it failed. I had predicted this outcome, and it indeed came to pass. We were aware that they wouldn't take any action."
Regarding the backing of 33 percent women's reservation by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Masood remarked, "Our support has been unwavering from the outset. This is not merely their ambition; it was a vision set forth by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. When this Bill was introduced in 1996, they (RSS) were opposed to it. This is not their initiative; it was Rajiv Gandhi's vision."
Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal reaffirmed the party's stance, asserting, "We all came together to support the 23rd Women's Reservation Bill. We stand firmly behind the Women's Reservation Bill. The government must take swift action to enforce this Bill for the upcoming 2029 elections..."
In alignment with these sentiments, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari remarked, "How do you label those who oppose democracy and seek power through opposition? I would simply say that democracy was upheld yesterday, and the Constitution of India was defended; BJP's attempts to manipulate India's political landscape were thwarted..."
These comments arise amidst a growing political clash between the ruling NDA alliance and the Opposition following the Bill's failure.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill did not pass after the Union government failed to achieve the necessary special majority, despite obtaining a simple majority.
After a lengthy debate, the legislation garnered 298 votes in favor and 230 against, which fell short of the constitutional requirement for passage.
The Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha on April 17, aiming to establish 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and to increase the strength of the House, but it did not meet the required two-thirds majority.
Point of View
The bill was unable to achieve the required special majority, signaling potential shifts in political strategy and alliances as the issues of women's representation and democratic integrity continue to dominate the discourse.
NationPress
4 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill?
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed to reserve 33 percent of seats for women in Parliament and increase the strength of the Lok Sabha.
Why did the Bill fail?
The Bill failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, even though it received a simple majority.
What are the implications of this failure?
The failure of the Bill indicates a significant political divide and raises questions about women's representation in Indian politics.
What did Congress leaders say about the government's approach?
Congress leaders accused the government of lacking genuine intent and merely managing an event rather than pursuing meaningful legislative action.
Who supported the Women's Reservation Bill?
Congress has consistently supported the Women's Reservation Bill, citing it as a vision of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
