Babu hits out at opposition over Women’s Bill

metro india news  I amaravati

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led opposition for blocking the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament, terming the development a “black day” in India’s democratic history. Addressing the media after a large protest rally organised by NDA allies at Nidadavole in East Godavari district on Saturday, the Chief Minister accused opposition parties of betraying the aspirations of millions of women.

Naidu said the nation had been eagerly awaiting the passage of the Bill, which seeks to provide 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies. “For decades, women have fought for equitable representation. At a time when this long-pending dream was close to being realised, the opposition chose narrow political interests over national progress,” he said.

Citing India’s cultural ethos of respecting women, the Chief Minister remarked that the events in Parliament stood in stark contrast. “A country that reveres women has witnessed an unfortunate attempt to undermine their dignity and aspirations. Blocking this Bill is an unpardonable act,” he asserted.

Naidu recalled assurances from the Union leadership that the Bill would not disadvantage southern or smaller states, noting that legislative seats were expected to increase by nearly 50%, ensuring proportional representation. “Despite these clarifications, the opposition created misleading narratives and prevented the Bill from securing the required special majority,” he said, questioning their commitment to women’s empowerment.

The Chief Minister said he had discussed the issue with Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan and called upon all like-minded parties to unite in support of women’s representation. Referring to the Lok Sabha voting, Naidu noted that although the Bill received 298 votes in favour against 230, it fell short of the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment. “This is not just a legislative setback but a historic missed opportunity,” he said.