Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta joined BJP leaders and women workers in a protest on Saturday against the Opposition over the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, intensifying the political confrontation over the women's reservation issue. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also took part, alleging that Opposition parties not only voted against the Bill but celebrated its defeat.
Raising slogans during the demonstration, Gupta said, "Phool nahi chingari hai, hum Bharat ki naari hai; Mahilaon ka ye apman nahi sahega Hindustan," as the ruling NDA stepped up its attack on the INDIA bloc. The protest is part of a wider nationwide campaign planned by the BJP to highlight what it calls the Opposition's "anti-women" stance.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which proposed 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies along with an increase in Lok Sabha seats, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority despite getting 298 votes in favour and 230 against. The government had pitched it as a key reform to improve women's representation and rebalance constituencies based on population changes, while the Opposition opposed its linkage to delimitation, citing concerns over federal balance and political intent.
Following the setback, the Centre decided not to move ahead with two related Bills on delimitation. The Parliament's Special Session also concluded, with both Houses adjourned sine die shortly after proceedings began on Saturday.
The Bill's defeat has triggered a sharp political face-off between the NDA and the INDIA bloc. While the ruling alliance has accused the Opposition of blocking a historic reform, Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have defended their stand, arguing that the proposal was politically loaded.
With key state elections approaching, the BJP plans to take the issue to the public through protests, press conferences, and social media campaigns, aiming to shape the narrative around women's empowerment and political representation.
(With inputs from IANS)
