Thane, Apr 21 (PTI) Maharashtra minister Pankaja Munde on Tuesday accused the Opposition parties of committing a “sin” by defeating the women’s reservation bill in the Lok Sabha, saying they had denied women equal opportunities in policymaking.
This is a lost opportunity for the nation, Munde said at a press conference at the BJP’s Thane headquarters.
“The Opposition parties have committed a grave sin by ensuring the defeat of the women’s reservation bill in Parliament. Women of this country will never pardon them for this act,” she said.
“The time has come to demand rightful reservation. Women have been crushed and deprived for years despite being no less in merit, effort and capability,” the BJP leader added.
The Constitution Amendment Bill, implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, failed to pass in the Lower House of Parliament on April 17. During the division of votes on the Constitution (131st) Amendment Bill, 2026, 298 votes were cast in favour and 230 against it.
A two-thirds majority is required to pass any Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha.
The Opposition parties have alleged that the Bill, linked to a delimitation exercise, if implemented, would have shrunk the representation of the southern states.
Munde said the issue was not about granting favours, but recognising rights.
“Reservation for women is not a favour, it is their right. Opportunities in policy-making have been denied to them, and this is a lost opportunity for the nation,” the BJP leader claimed. PTI COR GK
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