NEW DELHI — Congress leader Udit Raj has sharply criticised the Centre following the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the government’s approach was misleading and politically driven.
Speaking in Delhi, Raj said that this marks the first major legislative setback for the government since it came to power in 2014, adding that the outcome reflects growing awareness among the public. He stated that the bill’s failure demonstrates that people are not easily misled and can understand the intent behind political moves.
He alleged that the proposed legislation was part of a larger attempt to mislead women and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), claiming that the bill’s structure and timing were designed for political advantage rather than genuine empowerment. According to him, the failure of the bill has prevented what he described as a “deception” against these sections of society.
Raj further argued that the developments expose what he termed as an anti-women, anti-OBC, and anti-Dalit stance, linking his criticism to broader ideological concerns. He also referred to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, alleging that its structure reflects unequal roles for men and women.
He claimed that the organisation differentiates between roles assigned to men and women, and argued that such perspectives influence the government’s approach toward women’s representation. According to Raj, this reflects a reluctance to provide women with meaningful participation in legislative bodies.
The Congress leader maintained that despite claims of promoting women’s empowerment, the government’s actions suggest otherwise, and that the failure of the bill has brought these issues into focus. He reiterated that genuine efforts toward women’s reservation should not be linked to other political or procedural considerations.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve 33 percent of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women, has been a subject of long-standing political debate. While there is broad agreement on the need for increased representation, disagreements over implementation and linkage with delimitation have led to continued delays.
Raj’s remarks come amid a series of reactions from opposition leaders following the bill’s failure to secure the required majority in Parliament. The issue has intensified political exchanges, with both the ruling alliance and opposition accusing each other of undermining women’s interests.
Udit Raj’s statement adds to the ongoing political debate surrounding the Women’s Reservation Bill, highlighting deep divisions over its intent, structure, and implementation as the country continues to grapple with advancing gender representation in politics.
