A large-scale protest erupted in Delhi today as various leaders and workers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took to the streets. They marched and raised strong slogans against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi following the defeat of a crucial Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. This bill aimed to practically implement the women's quota law, and its failure after a division of votes sparked outrage among BJP members.

What Happened?

The protest witnessed significant participation from prominent BJP figures, including Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, Union Minister Raksha Khadse, and Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva. Other notable leaders like Hema Malini, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Bansuri Swaraj, and Manoj Tiwari also joined the demonstration. During the protest, BJP leaders and workers expressed their discontent by burning an effigy of Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.

The central point of contention was the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill. This amendment was deemed necessary for the practical implementation of the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam', also known as the Women's Reservation Bill, which was passed in 2023. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj criticized the opposition, stating, “From their statements, it has become clear that the opposition to the bill yesterday was merely a political tactic. This shows that for Rahul Gandhi and his colleagues, and for the entire INDIA alliance, women are seen only as a vote bank. They want women’s role to be limited only to voting. But when it came to sharing power, they stepped back.” She emphasized that the opposition's actions exposed their true intentions regarding women's empowerment.

Police responded to the protest by deploying heavy forces outside Rahul Gandhi's residence and using water cannons to disperse the demonstrators. Several leaders and workers, including BJP MPs Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Bansuri Swaraj, were detained. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta voiced her frustration, highlighting the long history of legislative hurdles for women’s reservation. She questioned the opposition's shifting justifications for blocking the bill, ranging from issues of delimitation and reorganisation to demands for quotas within quotas. She also challenged their claims of being well-wishers of Muslim women, referencing their opposition to the Triple Talaq law introduced by Prime Minister Modi. BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat further accused the INDIA Alliance of conspiring to defeat the amendment. He asserted that a neutral authority is required to decide reserved seats for women, a process linked to delimitation set for 2026. Sehrawat warned against the opposition's tactics, stating, “People of INDI Alliance conspired once again and defeated the Women's Reservation Bill. Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed in 2023. But to implement it practically, an amendment was necessary. When the amendment was presented yesterday, INDI Alliance voted against it and the Bill was defeated. It was the Govt's priority to implement Women's Reservation Bill. Women can see that once again the INDI Alliance deceived them and defeated the Bill.”

Key Highlights

BJP leaders and workers staged a massive protest against Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi.
The protest followed the defeat of a Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at implementing women's quota.
Key figures like Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, Union Minister Raksha Khadse, and MP Bansuri Swaraj participated.
Protesters burned an effigy of Rahul Gandhi, accusing the opposition of political maneuvering.
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj stated that the INDIA alliance views women merely as a vote bank.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta criticized the opposition for consistently obstructing women's reservation over three decades.
BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat alleged that the INDIA Alliance conspired to defeat the crucial amendment.
Police used water cannons and detained several BJP leaders and workers during the demonstration.

Why Does This Matter?

The defeat of this Constitution Amendment Bill holds significant implications for women's political representation in India. The original Women's Reservation Bill, passed last year, was hailed as a landmark step towards ensuring greater gender equality in legislative bodies. However, its practical implementation hinges on further legal mechanisms, such as this defeated amendment. This setback means that women's reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, a long-standing demand, faces continued delays, impacting the aspirations of millions of women seeking active roles in policymaking and governance.

For the common person, particularly women, this issue directly relates to their voice and influence in the nation's democratic processes. Increased women's representation is believed to bring diverse perspectives to parliamentary debates, potentially leading to policies that better address women's needs and societal challenges. The political finger-pointing and protests highlight the deep divisions within the political landscape regarding this crucial reform. It raises questions about the genuine commitment of various parties to women's empowerment, beyond electoral rhetoric, and underscores the ongoing struggle for equitable power-sharing in India's political system.