Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 18: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday termed the defeat of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha as a “victory for democracy” and accused the Centre of attempting to weaken the country’s federal structure through the proposed legislation.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi, Priyanka alleged that the constitutional amendment bill was part of a larger “conspiracy” by the government to consolidate power and rule indefinitely.

She claimed that the government brought the bill with the intention of pushing delimitation, which the opposition fears could impact the representation of southern and northeastern states in Parliament.

“What happened yesterday was a significant victory for democracy. The attempt to alter the federal structure and weaken democracy was defeated,” she said, adding that the outcome reflected opposition unity.

Priyanka further said that all opposition parties support women’s reservation but stressed that concerns remain over its implementation and related proposals such as delimitation.

She also warned that any move reducing representation of certain regions would have political consequences.

Referring to parliamentary proceedings, the Congress leader alleged that the government introduced the bills without adequate time for review, suggesting it reflected an intent to “stay in power”.

She also claimed that the government could attempt to mislead the public, particularly women, over the failure of the constitutional amendment bill in the Lower House.

The government had convened a three-day special session of Parliament from April 16 to 18, during which three bills linked to women’s reservation were introduced. On Friday, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, receiving 298 votes in favour and 230 against.