Delhi, India
Union Minister and Apna Dal (S) National President Anupriya Patel has strongly criticised opposition parties following the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in Parliament, calling it a “black day for democracy” and for women across the country.
Speaking in Delhi, Anupriya Patel said that the rejection of the bill is not a setback for the NDA, but rather a major blow to democratic values and the aspirations of women.
She stated that the failure of the bill represents a “black day for half the population of India,” referring to women.
Patel explained that the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill was intended to operationalise the Women’s Reservation Bill 2023 and pave the way for increased participation of women in legislative bodies from 2029 onwards.
She said the bill aimed to create a clear roadmap for implementing women’s reservation in Parliament and state assemblies.
Addressing concerns raised by the opposition, Patel argued that issues such as delimitation were used as an excuse to oppose the legislation. She pointed out that population growth and the expansion of parliamentary seats are realities that need to be addressed by Parliament itself.
She claimed that objections regarding delimitation were intended to mislead the public and block the bill’s passage.
The Union Minister also referred to apprehensions expressed by southern states about potential loss of representation due to population based seat redistribution. She said the government had attempted to address these concerns by proposing a balanced approach.
She stated that the government had assured equal growth in representation through a “50 percent formula,” aiming to maintain fairness among states.
Patel accused the opposition of deliberately derailing the bill despite such assurances, thereby denying women their rightful representation in governance.
She alleged that by rejecting the bill, opposition parties have shattered the hopes of women seeking a stronger voice in legislative institutions.
Highlighting the growing role of women in Indian society, Patel said that women today are actively participating in politics, social work, and grassroots governance, and are increasingly aware of their rights.
She emphasized that women are now a decisive and informed voter base, and their response will be reflected in future elections.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, proposing 33 percent reservation for women, has been at the center of political debate, with both the ruling alliance and opposition expressing support in principle but differing over implementation and related provisions.
Patel’s remarks add to the ongoing political exchange, underlining the sharp divide between the government and opposition on the issue of women’s representation and constitutional reform.
As the debate continues, the issue remains a key topic in national politics, with significant implications for future electoral and legislative dynamics.
