‘Black Stain On Congress’: Kiren Rijiju Slams Party Over Women’s Bill Defeat, Questions Its Mindset

He added that the decision would have wider implications, stating, “We are sad because women of the nation will be affected by this.”

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. (ANI)

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday criticised the Congress after the defeat of the women’s reservation bill, alleging that the party’s stance reflected its mindset, and described the development as “a black stain on Congress.”

Expressing disappointment over the development, Rijiju said the outcome should not be viewed as a setback for the government or the BJP, but rather as a loss for women across the country. He said, “We are all upset that the Congress-led opposition defeated the reservation proposal for women. This sadness is not because we are part of the government or the BJP, but because women have been denied their due.”

He added that the decision would have wider implications, stating, “We are sad because women of the nation will be affected by this.”

He also criticised opposition leaders for celebrating the bill’s defeat, calling it inappropriate. “To celebrate now, after denying women their due, is ‘ghor paap’,” he said, adding, “They have done a sinful act by celebrating that the bill did not pass.”

The union minister further warned that the Congress could face public backlash over the issue. “Congress will have to face the wrath of women now. They should not celebrate; it is shameful,” he said.

Referring to efforts to engage with opposition leaders, Rijiju said, “I met and spoke to Congress leaders and other opposition members repeatedly. They did not respond and then alleged that discussions did not happen.”

“Congress MPs met me and said the government’s intention was correct, but no one can help Rahul Gandhi understand,” he claimed.

Rijiju further thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that “we all fought together for women’s rights.”

This comes after the Constitution amendment bill to implement reservation for women in legislatures in 2029, and an increase in the number of seats of the Lok Sabha was defeated in the Lower House. While 298 members voted in support of the Bill, 230 MPs voted against it.

Of 528 members who voted, the bill required 352 votes for a two-thirds majority.

The opposition said the Constitution amendment bill’s failure to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha marked a clear political setback for the NDA government.

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