Women's Reservation Bill: A Setback and a Democratic Triumph

The Congress party announced on Monday that the failure of the women's reservation amendment Bill represents a democratic victory. The party accused the Modi government of attempting to exploit its executive powers by linking the legislation to the delimitation process.

The Constitution Amendment Bill aimed to secure 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies from the 2029 elections but failed to pass in the Lower House. It received 298 votes in favor and 230 against, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for passage.

Former president of the Congress women's wing, Shobha Oza, emphasized the opposition's unity in advocating for women's reservation, despite the government's efforts to incorporate delimitation measures into the Bill. She criticized the government's intentions as unconstitutional and a direct attack on democratic values.

(With inputs from agencies.)