RLM Plans Statewide Protests in Bihar Against Mahagathbandhan for Women's Quota Bill
Synopsis
In a significant political maneuver, the Rashtriya Lok Morcha has announced protests on April 22 against the Mahagathbandhan's opposition to the Women's Reservation Bill, a move they deem detrimental to women's representation in Bihar.
Key Takeaways
Rashtriya Lok Morcha to protest on April 22, 2026.
Opposition to Women's Reservation Bill condemned as “disgraceful” .
The Bill aimed for 33% reservation for women in Parliament.
Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill defeated in Lok Sabha.
Political tensions rise between NDA and Opposition INDIA bloc .
Patna, April 19 (NationPress) The Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) revealed on Sunday that it will stage protest marches on April 22 at all party district headquarters throughout Bihar, condemning what they termed a “disgraceful decision” by the Mahagathbandhan parties for their opposition to the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha.
This proclamation follows the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Friday, as it could not garner enough votes for passage.
RLM, an ally of the BJP within the NDA, stated, “On April 22, 2026, members of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha will conduct protest marches across all district headquarters in Bihar against the Mahagathbandhan parties that opposed the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament.”
By voting against the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, RLM claimed that the Congress and its Mahagathbandhan allies have “effectively blocked half of the population—women—from entering the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, denying them their rightful opportunities.”
RLM State Spokesperson Rampukar Sinha noted that the party's National President and Rajya Sabha member, Upendra Kushwaha, has been a steadfast advocate for constitutional rights and delimitation reforms.
“Unfortunately, before this initiative could reach its goal, the Opposition parties obstructed it by opposing it in Parliament. Had this Bill been enacted, the number of Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly constituencies in Bihar would have increased by one-and-a-half times,” Sinha explained.
He further articulated that had the Opposition cooperated in Parliament, women would have secured 33 percent of the seats, becoming MPs and MLAs.
“Nevertheless, the MPs from the Mahagathbandhan prevented this from happening. In reaction to this stance by the Opposition in Parliament, the Rashtriya Lok Morcha will hold protest marches at all district headquarters in Bihar on April 22, 2026,” concluded the RLM spokesperson.
The Bill aimed to allocate 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament but failed to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority, igniting a fierce political clash between the ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc.
The proposed legislation, which also sought to increase the strength of the House, could not secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority despite extensive debate. The Bill received 278 votes in favor and 211 against, falling short of the threshold needed for approval.
Point of View
Emphasizing the need for women's representation in legislative bodies. This ongoing conflict underscores the complexities of coalition politics in India.
NationPress
3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Women's Reservation Bill?
The Women's Reservation Bill aims to provide 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
What prompted the protests by the RLM?
The RLM is protesting against the Mahagathbandhan's opposition to the Women's Reservation Bill, which they believe undermines women's rights.
When will the protests take place?
The protests will be held on April 22, 2026, at all district headquarters in Bihar.
What was the outcome of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026?
The Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha as it did not secure the required two-thirds majority.
How did the Opposition influence the Bill's failure?
The RLM claims that the Congress and its allies in the Mahagathbandhan obstructed the Bill's passage, preventing women's representation.
