JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN — Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has criticised the Union government following the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the situation was deliberately created to shift blame onto the opposition.
Reacting to the bill’s rejection, Gehlot said that the government misled the entire country and created circumstances in which the legislation would not pass, while attempting to hold the opposition responsible for its failure. He asserted that the public is aware of such political strategies and would not be misled.
Gehlot pointed out that the Women’s Reservation framework had previously received broad support in 2023, when both the ruling party and the opposition had backed the legislation. According to him, this demonstrated that there was a consensus on the need to enhance women’s representation in politics.
However, he argued that the current approach adopted by the government lacked adequate consultation and consensus-building, which are essential for passing constitutional amendments. He stressed that such major reforms require cooperation across political lines and cannot be pushed through without dialogue.
The Congress leader said that the government should have convened an all-party meeting to discuss the provisions of the bill and address concerns raised by various stakeholders. He also emphasised that Chief Ministers of southern and eastern states should have been invited for discussions, particularly given the concerns related to delimitation and its potential impact on regional representation.
Gehlot highlighted that issues surrounding delimitation have been a major point of contention, with several states expressing apprehension about how changes in constituency boundaries could affect their political representation. He suggested that a more inclusive and transparent approach could have helped build consensus and avoid the bill’s failure.
He further stated that the government’s handling of the situation has raised questions about its intent, alleging that the sequence of events indicates a calculated move rather than a genuine effort to pass the legislation.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which aimed to provide 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, required a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha but failed to secure sufficient support. Its rejection has intensified political debate, with both the ruling alliance and opposition blaming each other.
Gehlot maintained that the opposition remains committed to women’s empowerment, but insists that such reforms must be implemented in a fair and consultative manner. He подчеркнул that political consensus and respect for federal principles are essential for major constitutional changes.
Ashok Gehlot’s remarks add to the ongoing political exchange following the bill’s failure, highlighting deep divisions over the approach to women’s reservation and the broader question of electoral and constitutional reforms in India.
