'Opposition Made A Mistake, Will Pay Consequences': PM Modi On Women's Quota Bill Failing Parliament Test

New Delhi:

The opposition has committed a mistake by not supporting the Women’s Reservation Bill and will face consequences. This criticism comes a day after the crucial legislation failed the parliament test amid opposition backlash over the government’s approach.

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill aimed to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. But it failed to secure a two-thirds majority to pass the Lok Sabha. The Bill received only 298 votes in its favour, while 230 MPs opposed it, after a heated debate that began on Thursday and went past midnight into Friday.

Opposition must face the consequences and answer to women, according to sources. “They have let down the women of the country. This message must be taken to every single person, to every single village,” it was further stated.

Opposition parties had earlier said they supported women’s reservation in parliament but found the government’s approach to be politically motivated. There were also opposition concerns that once delimitation occurs, the southern states might see a drop in their representation in parliament.

However, such concerns were sought to be allayed while speaking in parliament during the three-day session that ended.

A personal guarantee was given that no injustice would be done to any southern state once the seats in Lok Sabha go up to 816 from 543. “Let all of us not miss this important opportunity to give reservations to women. I have come to appeal to you – do not see this from a political lens, this is in national interest,” it was stated.

The southern states’ current representation would be preserved or even increase slightly, it was also assured in parliament. Accusations were made that certain opposition parties were manufacturing issues to oppose the Bill and deprive women of reservations.

Leading the Opposition charge, a senior opposition leader had claimed that the government was using the issue of women’s reservation as a smokescreen in an attempt to redraw the country’s electoral map in its favour.

A senior Congress MP dubbed the Bill’s defeat as a victory of opposition unity.

Slamming the opposition, a Union Minister said that the Congress and its allies will face the anger of women across the country for blocking the Bill. Speaking to reporters in parliament complex, it was said this is a “black stain on the Congress and its allies – one that they will never be able to erase.”

“This Bill was about giving historic representation to women. What objection could there have been?” it was stated.

Parliament

The term “Parliament” most commonly refers to the Palace of Westminster in London, the meeting place of the UK’s Houses of Commons and Lords. Its oldest part, Westminster Hall, dates from 1097, though much of the iconic Gothic Revival structure was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1834. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of British constitutional democracy.

Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha is the lower house of India’s bicameral Parliament, located in New Delhi. Established by the Constitution of India in 1950, it succeeded the Imperial Legislative Council and is the primary legislative body where members are directly elected by the people. Its sessions are held in the historic Parliament House, a heritage building originally opened in 1927 during the British Raj.

Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill

The “Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill” is not a physical place or cultural site, but a legislative act in India. It became law in 2018 as the 103rd

Parliament

The term “Parliament” most commonly refers to the Palace of Westminster in London, the meeting place of the UK’s House of Commons and House of Lords. The current Gothic Revival building was constructed between 1840 and 1870 after a fire destroyed much of the old palace, though the site has been a centre of political power since the 11th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its iconic clock tower, Big Ben.

Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha is the lower house of India’s bicameral Parliament, located in New Delhi. It was established under the Constitution of India in 1952, following the nation’s independence, and its members are directly elected by the people. As the primary legislative body, it holds significant power, including overseeing the government and approving the national budget.

Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is the meeting place of the UK Parliament in London. Originally a royal palace from the 11th century, the complex was largely rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style after a devastating fire in 1834. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its iconic clock tower, Big Ben.

Westminster Hall

Westminster Hall is the oldest surviving part of the Palace of Westminster in London, completed in 1099 under King William II. It is renowned for its magnificent hammerbeam roof, added in the late 14th century, and has served as a venue for major state events, including coronation banquets and the lying-in-state of British monarchs.

Parliament House

Parliament House is the meeting place of the Australian Parliament in Canberra, opened in 1988 to replace the provisional Parliament House. Its modern design, crowned by a large flag mast, symbolizes democratic government, and it was built to mark Australia’s bicentenary. The site sits atop Capital Hill, following the vision of architect Walter Burley Griffin for the city’s central axis.

New Delhi

New Delhi is the capital of India, officially inaugurated in 1931 as the new seat of the British Raj government, replacing Calcutta. It was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, featuring wide boulevards and grand colonial-era buildings like the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. Today, it serves as the political and administrative heart of the country, adjacent to the historic city of Old Delhi.