NDA to launch nationwide protests against INDIA bloc over Women’s Reservation Bill defeat
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New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will launch nationwide protests on Saturday against the INDIA bloc after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, failed in the Lok Sabha.
The bill, seeking 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament alongside an expansion of the House's strength, fell short of the required two-thirds majority despite a day-long debate. It garnered 278 votes in favour and 211 against.
INDIA bloc leaders argued in the house that they would support the bill if women's quota was introduced within the existing strength of 543 Lok Sabha seats and their opposition was to the increase of the Lok Sabha strength tied to women's reservation.
NDA leaders accused the opposition INDIA alliance of deliberately obstructing the reform, branding it an "anti-women agenda". Protests, led by the BJP Mahila Morcha, will occur at district headquarters nationwide to mobilise public support and expose the opposition's stance.
Women MPs from the NDA staged a demonstration within Parliament premises post-defeat, vowing to pursue the cause. The BJP plans to highlight the issue in upcoming elections, especially in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
The episode has widened the rift between the ruling coalition and opposition, fuelling a broader clash over gender representation.
(Inputs from IANS)