(Image source from: Hyderabadheadlines.com)

The prime minister has informed his cabinet that the opposition has made a mistake by not backing the Women's Reservation Bill and will experience repercussions. His remarks followed the significant legislation's failure to gain approval in parliament due to opposition criticism of the government's stance. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill intended to set aside 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. However, it did not achieve the necessary two-thirds majority to be approved by the Lok Sabha. The Bill garnered 298 votes in favor but faced 230 votes against it after a spirited discussion that started on Thursday and lasted into the early hours of Friday. It has been reported by sources quoting PM Modi during a cabinet meeting that the opposition must answer to the women and face the results of their actions. "They have failed the women of the nation. This message should reach every individual, in every village," the prime minister added, according to sources. Previously, opposition parties stated that they backed women's reservations in parliament but criticized the government's method as politically driven. They were also worried that delimitation could lead to reduced representation for southern states in parliament.

Nonetheless, during the three-day session that concluded today, the prime minister attempted to ease these concerns while addressing parliament. He provided a personal assurance that no southern state would suffer injustice when the number of Lok Sabha seats increases from 543 to 816. "Let us not overlook this essential chance to provide reservations for women. I urge you all - do not view this through a political lens, as this serves the national interest," PM Modi stated. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reassured parliament that the existing representation of southern states would be maintained or may even see a slight increase. Both leaders accused the Congress and other opposition groups of creating issues to block the Bill and deny women their reservations. Rahul Gandhi, leading the opposition's stance, alleged that the government was using the matter of women's reservation as a distraction to reshape the country’s electoral landscape to its advantage.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a prominent Congress MP, referred to the Bill's failure as a win for opposition unity. Attacking the opposition, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed that the Congress and its partners would bear the wrath of women nationwide for hindering the Bill. Speaking to journalists in the parliament complex, he remarked that it leaves a "black mark on the Congress and its allies - one that they can never erase. " "This Bill aimed to provide significant representation to women. What could possibly be the objection? " he questioned reporters.