Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Pankaja Munde recently joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) protest against the unsuccessful passage of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which aimed to ensure women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. Leaders of NDA-affiliated parties organized protest marches nationwide following the Bill’s failure to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. Minister Munde expressed disappointment over the Bill’s defeat, emphasizing the need for women to have representation in policy-making at higher levels.
Addressing the media, Minister Munde highlighted the significance of women’s reservation in decision-making bodies like the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, stating that while women have representation in local bodies, they deserve equal opportunities at higher levels. She criticized opposition parties such as Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, and Trinamool Congress for opposing the Bill, accusing them of hindering women’s progress. Minister Munde stressed that providing women with reservation is not a privilege but a fundamental right that should be upheld.
Minister Munde condemned the opposition’s obstruction of the Women’s Reservation Bill, labeling it as an excuse to impede women’s advancement. She noted the widespread discontent among women on social media and messaging platforms, viewing the stalling of the bill as an insult to women across the country. As a response to this setback, the NDA, led by Minister Munde, decided to stand in solidarity with women and participate in the movement, symbolically submitting protest papers and pledging to support women’s empowerment through their votes.
