New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress General Secretary and MP from Wayanad, stated on Saturday that the unification of the Opposition has successfully thwarted the Centre's alleged conspiracy to undermine the federal system and diminish democracy.

Her comments came during a press briefing after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 was turned down in the Lok Sabha the previous day.

This Bill aimed to secure 33% reservation for women in Parliament, but it did not achieve the necessary two-thirds majority, which sparked a significant political conflict between the ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA alliance.

The proposed legislation, which also intended to increase the strength of the House, failed to meet the constitutionally required two-thirds majority despite a lengthy debate. The Bill garnered 278 votes in favor and 211 against, falling short of the needed threshold for passage.

Speaking at a news conference at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in New Delhi, Priyanka Gandhi remarked, "What transpired yesterday represents a monumental victory for democracy. The government's scheme to alter the federal framework and undermine democracy was thwarted. This is a triumph for the Constitution, for the nation, and for the solidarity of the Opposition, which was visibly evident on the faces of the ruling party leaders."

In reference to the Lok Sabha addresses by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, she noted, "Both leaders repeatedly indicated that failure to support the Bill would result in our inability to win and regain power, clearly revealing their motives."

The Congress leader expressed that the Opposition was astonished by the calling of this Special Session amidst ongoing Assembly elections. "I believe this is a conspiracy to maintain power at any cost, even if that means using women as a political tool," she stated.

"They assumed that if the Bill passed, they would secure victory. If it failed, they could portray themselves as the 'champions' of women by accusing others of being anti-women. As a woman, I know that claiming to be a 'champion' for women is not easy," the Wayanad MP added.

She highlighted incidents like the Unnao and Hathras cases, along with issues faced by Olympic athletes and developments in Manipur, questioning, "Who supported those women? And now, you're in Parliament claiming to be their 'champion'?"

"This matter transcended the Women's Reservation Bill; it was about delimitation... Everyone witnessed how the Opposition's unity can overcome the government's agenda," she asserted.

Labeling the day as a 'Black Day' for the Centre, she stated that it was because they experienced a shock for the first time, which they deserved.

"Women’s issues are escalating. They are not naive; they observe everything. Public Relations and media tactics won’t suffice. If you genuinely want to effect change, reintroduce the Bill that was unanimously passed in 2023, which was backed by all parties. If amendments are necessary, make them and implement it now," she urged.

"Ensure women receive their rights without delay. Do not attempt to mislead them by twisting the issue and linking it to unrelated matters. Bring it forward now. We are prepared," she continued.

Priyanka Gandhi further indicated that recent developments suggest a shift for the government, asserting that it is evident from their actions.

"Firstly, they are under significant international pressure... as my brother has mentioned repeatedly," she said, indirectly referencing him.

"The public continues to grapple with numerous challenges; prices for gas, fruits, and vegetables have surged. This burden falls heavily on women, across all classes and castes," she remarked.

"They can stage their Mahila Morcha wherever they choose. They can create as much drama as they wish. The nation has awakened to the reality that they do not uphold their promises. They are not trustworthy. Certainly, women cannot trust them, given their history and behavior," she stated.

"The manner in which they presented this Bill, along with its attached provisions related to delimitation and the 2011 census, clearly indicates they anticipated this Bill would not pass. Their only aim was to gain political leverage," Priyanka Gandhi concluded.