Hyderabad, April 17 (NationPress) Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy characterized the failure of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha as a “dark day for the democracy of India”. In a statement shared on the social media platform X, he emphasized that this moment necessitated unity and a collective commitment towards women’s empowerment, but instead highlighted what he referred to as a significant lack of determination.

He accused the Congress party of denying Indian women the respect and representation they rightfully deserve by opposing the legislation.

“The nation is watching. Our women are watching. Those who jeopardize their aspirations will face accountability,” he asserted.

Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar declared that April 17 would be remembered as a shameful day in Indian democracy.

He labeled it a black day for every mother, sister, and daughter in the country.

“Today, the true colors of the Congress and its INDIA alliance partners have been revealed. By eliminating the 33 percent reservation, these parties have committed a political sin against the women of this nation. It is appalling that after negating women’s rights, they had the audacity to celebrate and chant slogans within Parliament. This is not merely an insult; it is a betrayal of Nari Shakti,” he posted on X.

The BJP leader claimed that the Congress has a longstanding history of betraying the interests of women. He noted that in 2023, the government led by PM Modi had successfully passed the Women’s Reservation Bill.

“With a clear majority, the Congress had no choice but to endorse it, a mere formal endorsement when obstruction was no longer feasible. Now, as the implementation nears, they have once again intervened to prevent women from entering the corridors of power in 2029. This is their reality: they exploit women for votes while denying them power,” he stated.

Telangana BJP president Ramchander Rao echoed the sentiment that April 17 is a black day for the nation’s women and democracy, alleging that the Congress and its INDIA alliance partners have betrayed women.

“On one hand, Indian women are disheartened, while on the other, the Congress is celebrating, smiling, and cheering. Remember this, my sisters — the Congress and the INDIA alliance have denied you your rightful share. This is not the first time they have thwarted the Bill; it is the fifth time,” he posted.

Meanwhile, Telangana Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Danasari Seethakka responded to the BJP, claiming that the party had intentionally linked the Bill to delimitation to hinder its implementation.

“They possess the numbers for a simple majority but have tied the Bill to delimitation to sabotage its progress. This is not empowerment; it is a political stunt. The BJP’s core ideology stands against women,” she said.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury criticized the government, stating that the failure of three Bills in the Lok Sabha is indicative of public discontent.

“You must not exploit our name for political gain. It is the burden of inflation and rising LPG prices impacting households. Our sympathies lie with the government,” she remarked in a post on X.