The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for her comments on the defeat of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament. Priyanka Gandhi had stated that the Opposition’s unity prevented what she called a “conspiracy” by the Centre to alter the federal structure and weaken democracy. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, was rejected in the Lok Sabha.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Priyanka Gandhi described the defeat of the Bill as a victory for democracy and the unity of the Opposition. In response, BJP National Spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo expressed disappointment, highlighting Priyanka Gandhi’s role in blocking a bill intended to empower women. He emphasized that the people would not forgive the Congress for obstructing the legislation.
BJP National Executive member Boddu Nagalakshmi also criticized Priyanka Gandhi, accusing her of rejecting a bill meant for women’s reservation despite speaking in favor of reservations. He asserted that the BJP, like a lotus rising from the soil, would remain unaffected by criticism. Janata Dal-United National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan joined the criticism, stating that the opposition’s actions against the Women’s Reservation Bill would have consequences, with women rejecting such parties in elections.
The Women’s Reservation Bill, which aimed to provide 33% reservation for women in Parliament, failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority. Despite a day-long debate, the Bill received 298 votes in favor and 230 against, falling short of the required threshold for passage.
