Women's Reservation Bill Defeated: A 'Black Day' in Indian Politics

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized the Congress-led opposition for defeating a bill aimed at implementing 33% reservation for women in Indian legislatures by 2029. The bill fell short of the required two-thirds majority, garnering 298 votes in favor and 230 against, out of 528 total votes.

In a pivotal moment in Indian politics, a Constitution amendment bill proposing 33% reservation for women in legislatures was defeated. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma did not mince words, labeling the Congress-led opposition as 'anti-women' following the bill's rejection.

The proposed amendment aimed to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, operationalizing women's reservation by 2029. Despite the backing of 298 MPs, the bill failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority, with 230 MPs opposing it.

"April 17 will go down as a Black Day," Sarma vented on social media, urging the public to recognize this as a setback for women's rights in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)