New Delhi, Apr 17 (PTI) Women MPs of the BJP on Friday held a protest in the Parliament House complex against the Congress and its allies after the Constitution Amendment Bill to implement reservation for women in legislatures from 2029 and increase the strength of the Lok Sabha was defeated in the Lower House.
Holding placards and raising slogans of “India will not tolerate this insult to women”, they alleged that the opposition, led by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, deliberately blocked a measure aimed at enhancing women’s representation in legislatures.
Union minister Shobha Karandlaje said the move has “insulted” crores of women awaiting political empowerment.
“Today, 65 crore women were waiting. We have not been defeated, but the cause of women’s representation has been defeated in Parliament. We will not accept this mindset. The INDI alliance has insulted women; Rahul Gandhi and the Congress are responsible for this,” she said.
Union minister Raksha Khadse accused the opposition of blocking a “historic” move to grant reservation to women, alleging it has exposed their “anti-women” intent despite the government addressing all concerns.
“The opposition did not allow a historic decision to be taken today. Women were about to receive their rightful entitlements.
“This shows their intent; they are opposed to women. They talk about women’s dignity and respect, but when it comes to action, they step back,” she said.
Khadse said the government clarified key aspects of the legislation, including its implementation timeline and framework, while engaging with concerns raised by opposition parties.
“The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and the Home Minister (Amit Shah) had placed all issues with clarity and responded to the opposition’s questions. The most important aspect was that by providing reservation to women by 2029, it would have created a pathway for our sisters and for women who wish to participate in politics in an empowered manner. However, the opposition blocked it,” she added.
Union minister and BJP MP Annpurna Devi alleged that the opposition alliance was intent on stalling the passage of the “Nari Shakti Bill”.
“The intention of the alliance was to ensure that the Nari Shakti Bill does not get passed. It is clear they do not want women to enter legislative assemblies. But the women of India will no longer tolerate this and will give a strong response to the Congress and the INDI alliance,” she said.
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut termed the developments “shameful” and “deeply painful”, accusing the opposition of demoralising women.
“It is a very shameful situation. I don’t think anything more painful than this has happened before. The Congress party and the opposition have crossed every limit of injustice and, I would say, even hatred,” Ranaut said.
She alleged that the Congress and the opposition have completely lowered the morale of the daughters of India and “shattered their confidence.
“For me, and for all women who had so many dreams attached to this, it feels like a personal loss. But as the prime minister has said, our government will bring this bill. I have full faith in him,” she said. PTI ADI KSS KSS
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