In a sharp political response, Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Narendra Modi following the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha.
The bill, which aimed to expand parliamentary seats and enable 33% reservation for women, did not secure the required two-thirds majority.
Kharge alleged that the Prime Minister’s national address after the bill’s defeat was politically charged and deviated from the expected neutrality of such communication.
Bill Falls Short Despite Majority Support
The proposed legislation sought to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 850 seats to facilitate women’s reservation by the 2029 general elections. While the government secured 298 votes in favour, a consolidated opposition of 230 Members of Parliament voted against it, leading to its defeat.
The bill was linked to the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, passed in 2023, which requires delimitation and census processes before enforcement.
Kharge Raises Concerns Over PM’s Speech
Reacting strongly, Kharge described the Prime Minister’s address as “partisan” and accused him of using the platform to target opposition parties rather than addressing the nation constructively.
He claimed that the speech focused disproportionately on criticising the Congress party rather than discussing women’s empowerment. According to Kharge, such an approach undermines the seriousness of the issue and shifts focus away from policy outcomes.
Allegations of Misuse of Official Platform
Kharge further alleged that the Prime Minister misused official channels to deliver a political message, especially in the context of upcoming state elections. He argued that such actions raise concerns about adherence to democratic norms and institutional neutrality.
The Congress leader also reiterated that his party has historically supported women’s reservation, citing its role in earlier legislative efforts.
Opposition Demands Immediate Implementation
Outlining key demands, Kharge urged the government to:
- Implement 33% reservation for women within the existing Lok Sabha framework
- Avoid linking women’s reservation with delimitation exercises
- Ensure transparency and accountability in legislative processes
He also called for an apology to citizens, stating that the government should prioritise policy delivery over political narratives.
Government’s Position on the Bill
In his address, Prime Minister Modi expressed disappointment over the bill’s defeat, stating that it was aimed at empowering women across the country. He accused opposition parties of obstructing progress for political reasons and described the outcome as a setback for women’s representation.
The development has intensified the ongoing political debate around women’s reservation, with both sides presenting contrasting narratives on intent and implementation
