Mumbai, April 20 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis delivered a sharp criticism of opposition parties on Monday following the legislative setback regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill. He labeled the recent parliamentary event as a 'Dark Day' for reformist politics, voicing his discontent over the 131st Amendment Bill's inability to achieve a two-thirds majority.

"Today, I address a matter of significant gravity. As many of you know, there was immense anticipation that April 17 would mark a pivotal day in our nation's political and social evolution—a day we could proudly refer to as a 'Watershed Movement' in Indian history, with the Women's Reservation Bill poised for approval. We had hoped for unanimous support for this vital cause,” he stated during a press briefing, alongside Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe and the state’s Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare.

Regrettably, parties such as the Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, UBT(Shiv Sena), Sharad Pawar’s NCP, and the Samajwadi Party exhibited a profoundly anti-women stance, obstructing the Bill from attaining the essential two-thirds majority. By doing so, they have betrayed 70 crore women and have committed a 'foeticide' against this crucial Bill, he asserted.

“The celebration they held after effectively terminating the Bill was, in truth, a 'Taandav' (a dance of destruction) over the principles upheld by India’s illustrious social reformers. It deeply saddens me that this year, which marks the 200th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, these parties have forsaken his ideals. All these parties, who merely invoke Phule’s name in their rhetoric, have now been fully exposed,” the Chief Minister remarked.

He announced a significant outreach initiative across the state, declaring, “We will gather the signatures of one crore women throughout Maharashtra in support of this Bill. Additionally, we will run awareness campaigns at the taluka level. The Bharatiya Party has organized a convention for this purpose, inviting our allies. Through these awareness initiatives, we will reveal the true nature of the Congress, Sharad Pawar, and UBT(Shiv Sena) regarding their position on this matter. Our aim is to create an overwhelming public demand that compels them to endorse the Women's Reservation Bill. We will persist until women receive the reservation they rightfully deserve,” he emphasized.

In targeting a monumental scale of one crore women to showcase grassroots support, CM Fadnavis highlighted the intention to extend efforts beyond major cities and prioritize Taluka-level (sub-district) awareness. He underscored that Maharashtra’s upcoming 2029 Assembly elections were envisioned as the first under this new quota. Despite the setback in the Lower House, he reassured that the state government remains dedicated to implementing gender-inclusive policies.

Moreover, he announced that the Mahayuti coalition would initiate statewide protests, culminating in a 'Mega Rally' in Mumbai on April 30 to hold the opposition accountable for the bill's defeat.

CM Fadnavis framed the voting date (April 17) as a lost chance for a historic 'watershed' moment in Indian democracy.