Mumbai, Apr 21 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition over the defeat of a bill on women’s reservation in Lok Sabha, saying “wolves in disguise” are opposing political reservation for women in legislative bodies.
He alleged that the Opposition knew that the Women’s Reservation Law of 2023 could not be implemented without a fresh Census and delimitation, but still defeated the Constitutional amendment bill.
BJP leaders are holding a string of press conferences in various cities after the Congress and other parties ensured the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aimed to fast-track the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative bodies.
With an effective House strength of 528, the bill secured only 298 votes, falling short of the required benchmark.
Addressing a ‘Jan Akrosh’ gathering of women, Fadnavis said those questioning the need for an amendment to the 2023 law were being disingenuous.
“Those who are pretending to be asleep cannot be awakened. These are wolves in disguise, opposing political reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies,” he said.
Fadnavis asserted that the 2023 legislation had explicitly mandated a nationwide Census and delimitation of Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies before the (women’s) quota could take effect.
“If we do not amend the Constitution and carry out delimitation, women’s reservation cannot be implemented,” he said.
Taking a swipe at opposition parties, the BJP leader said they had backed the bill earlier only because the NDA enjoyed a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha.
“Everyone supported the bill in 2023, knowing it would pass then. Now they realise the amendment cannot go through, and hence they are opposing it,” he said.
Fadnavis added that the parties that had endorsed the provision earlier are now resisting it despite being aware of its conditions.
“The bill clearly laid down that the census and delimitation must precede implementation. Those very ‘bright’ people who supported it then are opposing it now,” he added. PTI ND NSK
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