Political Drama Over Women's Reservation in Tamil Nadu

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized the DMK and Congress for thwarting Tamil Nadu's women's representation chances in Parliament, citing their opposition to a bill for women's reservation and seat increases. The bill, requiring a two-thirds majority, fell short, with 230 MPs voting against it.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a scathing attack on DMK and Congress, accusing them of sabotaging Tamil Nadu's chance for enhanced women's representation in the state legislature and Parliament. She cited their opposition to a Constitution Amendment Bill, which sought to introduce 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures by 2029 and increase Lok Sabha seats, as the cause.

The Bill, aiming for a two-thirds majority, was voted down in the Lower House, with 230 MPs opposing it. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami also criticized DMK for Chief Minister M K Stalin's opposition to the bill, asserting it deprived the state of additional political power and more Lok Sabha seats.

Palaniswami highlighted on social media that rejecting the bill was a lost opportunity to gain 20 more MP seats and disrupts future delimitation efforts which will now incorporate the 2026 census, potentially reducing Tamil Nadu's MP count further. Sitharaman reiterated that this 'blind opposition' hinders prospects for Tamil Nadu and its women.

(With inputs from agencies.)