NEW DELHI, April 18: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the Opposition on Friday, expressing outrage over the defeat of key legislation related to women's reservations in the Lok Sabha and accusing the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Samajwadi Party of collectively undermining women's empowerment.

Taking to the social media platform X, Mr. Shah said it was shameful that the Opposition parties were celebrating the defeat of a Bill that would have strengthened women's political representation. "This is not the first time Congress and its allies have done this. They have consistently adopted the same stance on critical issues concerning national development and women's empowerment," he said.

The Home Minister asserted that the Congress had no genuine interest in national development, women's rights, or empowerment, and that all the parties that had voted against the Bill had together betrayed Indian women who had been fighting for their rights for decades.

Mr. Shah warned that the Opposition would face a decisive political response from the women of India in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. "The women of this country will give a fitting answer to the parties that opposed the Women's Reservation Bill," he said, adding that no political force could afford to take women's aspirations lightly.

The 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, which sought to fast-track the implementation of the one-third reservation for women in legislative bodies, was defeated in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after the ruling National Democratic Alliance failed to secure the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment. Of the 528 members who participated in the division vote, 298 supported the Bill while 230 voted against it, leaving the government 54 votes short of the required 352.

NEW DELHI, April 18: The Central government's ambitious attempt to fast-track the implementation of women's reservations in legislative bodies suffered a significant setback on Thursday when the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment.

Of the 528 members who participated in the division voting, 298 voted in favour of the Bill while 230 voted against it. The Bill required 352 votes for passage, and with the ruling National Democratic Alliance failing to bridge a gap of 54 votes, Speaker Om Birla officially declared the Bill defeated.

Following the defeat, the Central government also withdrew two related pieces of legislation — proposals pertaining to amendments to Union Territory laws and delimitation. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju made the announcement in the House.

BJP members, incensed by the outcome, staged a dharna outside Parliament in protest.

Early implementation of women's quota was the objective

The 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill had been introduced with the specific aim of reducing the long wait for the women's reservation law to come into force. Parliament had already passed the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act — the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam — in 2023 with unanimous support. However, that legislation contains a provision linking its implementation to the completion of a fresh census and subsequent delimitation exercise, effectively pushing enforcement to 2029 or later.

To circumvent this delay, the Central government proposed expanding the Lok Sabha's strength from the current 543 seats to 850, and carving out a dedicated women's quota within this expanded House without disturbing existing SC, ST, and general category seats.

Three days of special sessions, 21 hours of debate

The Bills had been introduced in the House on April 16 following three days of special sessions convened specifically for the purpose. Deliberations stretched over 21 hours, with sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches. A particularly heated confrontation took place between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Opposition, particularly parties representing southern States, raised strong objections, contending that the delimitation exercise as proposed carried the risk of reducing parliamentary representation for States in the south. They argued that delimitation should be undertaken only after a caste census, maintaining that social justice could not be achieved otherwise.

Amit Shah assures 50 per cent seat increase for all States

Responding to concerns about regional imbalance, Mr. Shah gave categorical assurances on the floor of the House that seats in every State would be increased by at least 50 per cent and that no State would be disadvantaged. He urged members not to divide the country along north-south lines, asserting that all States enjoyed equal rights under the Constitution.

In a significant gesture, Mr. Shah offered to formally amend the Bill on the spot if members felt the 50 per cent guarantee was not explicitly stated. "Give me one hour and I will incorporate it as an official amendment," he declared.

Had the Bill cleared the Lok Sabha, it would have proceeded to the Rajya Sabha for consideration. With its defeat at the first stage, the government's bid to advance the timeline for women's reservations has, for now, come to a halt. The Centre is yet to indicate its next course of action.

AMARAVATI, April 18: The defeat of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha amounted to a stain on Indian democracy, Andhra Pradesh BJP chief spokesman Valluru Jayaprakash Narayan said on Friday, accusing the Congress-led INDIA bloc of committing a grave injustice against the women of this country by blocking legislation that would have expedited the implementation of women's reservations in legislative bodies.

In a strongly worded statement, Mr. Narayan described April 17 as a day of humiliation for every mother, sister, and daughter in India. He alleged that while Congress spoke at length about women's empowerment, its actions in Parliament told an entirely different story.

"Congress has spewed poison on the question of women's reservations. Snatching away women's rights is a political sin. It is shameful that Congress is celebrating having defeated the women of this nation," he said.

Dynasty politics at the root of opposition, alleges BJP

Mr. Narayan alleged that the Congress party had consistently pursued anti-women policies, and that all parties that had obstructed the Women's Reservation Bill were those accustomed to dynastic rule. He contended that these parties could not tolerate the prospect of ordinary women securing a place in legislative assemblies.

Holding Congress president Rahul Gandhi and leaders of the INDIA bloc directly responsible, he accused them of having betrayed women by promising reservations while in power and failing to deliver. "They are traitors to the women of this country," he said.

The BJP spokesman observed that despite being rejected by the electorate on multiple occasions, the Congress had shown no signs of course correction. He predicted that the women of India would deliver a fitting political response to the Congress alliance in the days ahead.

Calling for electoral accountability, Mr. Narayan urged voters in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to defeat the Congress, DMK, and TMC alliances in the upcoming elections as an assertion of women's self-respect and dignity.

"Women's power will make itself heard," he said.

AMARAVATI, April 18: Describing the Opposition's stance as a black day for Indian democracy, BJP national leader and State Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party for voting against the Women's Reservation Bill and the Delimitation legislation in Parliament, asserting that both moves reflected a deliberate attempt to deny justice to women and marginalised communities.

"Opposing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative bodies is nothing short of obstructing the future of this nation," Mr. Yadav said in a statement issued late Friday evening. "This is a dark day for democracy."

The Minister did not spare the Congress on its track record, pointing out that the party had neither advanced the Women's Reservation Bill when in power nor supported it in Opposition. "This is the Congress and company brand of women's empowerment — block it in government, block it in Opposition," he said sharply.

Mr. Yadav argued that opposing the Bill amounted to denying women from ordinary families their rightful place in politics. "It is a direct assault on the rights of sisters and daughters of this country. The women of India and the people of this nation will not forgive the Opposition for this," he said.

Delimitation will reduce southern seats if based on 2023 figures, says Minister

Turning to the Delimitation issue, Mr. Yadav contended that opposing the Bills was tantamount to blocking the political advancement of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Drawing comparisons with established democracies, he noted that representation ratios abroad were far lower — one Lok Sabha member for every one lakh voters in London, 1.1 lakh in France and Germany, 1.2 lakh in Canada, 1.7 lakh in Australia, 2.7 lakh in Japan, and 7.7 lakh in the United States. In India, by contrast, a single Lok Sabha member represents as many as 27 lakh constituents, he pointed out.

Mr. Yadav acknowledged that conducting delimitation on the basis of 2023 population figures would result in a reduction of existing seats in southern States, with the exercise due in 2026. He maintained, however, that the Central government had taken appropriate steps in this regard, and that the Opposition's attempts to obstruct the process were both unwise and indefensible.

"It is deeply unfortunate that the very parties claiming to champion federal principles are standing in the way of a constitutionally mandated exercise," he said.

AMARAVATI, April 18: Andhra Pradesh BJP president PVN Madhav on Friday warned that the Congress party would inevitably face political repercussions for opposing the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament, describing the party's stance as deeply unfortunate and a clear betrayal of its stated commitment to women's empowerment.

Speaking to mediapersons in Amaravati, Mr. Madhav said that Congress members voting against both the Women's Reservation Bill and the delimitation-related legislation had exposed the party's true position on women's political representation. "Their actions in Parliament speak louder than their rhetoric," he said.

The BJP leader asserted that the Women's Reservation Bill was an indispensable reform to ensure adequate representation of women across all levels of governance — from the grassroots to the national stage. He contended that the Bill's implementation would significantly strengthen women's leadership at every tier of the political structure.

Mr. Madhav accused the Congress of paying mere lip service to women's empowerment while retreating when it mattered most. "A party that fails to protect women's rights will be given a fitting response by the people," he said.

Reaffirming the BJP's commitment to the cause, Mr. Madhav credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for several landmark decisions in favour of women's welfare, describing the reservation legislation as a milestone in that journey. He maintained that inclusive development was possible only by ensuring equal opportunities for women.

He also extended gratitude to all those who had stood in support of the Bill.

Amaravati, April 13: Andhra Pradesh State Health Minister Y. Satyakumar Yadav on Monday hailed the inauguration of two Quantum Reference Facilities in Amaravati as a historic milestone, describing Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's initiative to establish the capital city as a Quantum Valley as a defining moment not only for Andhra Pradesh but for the country as a whole.

In a statement issued here, the Minister said the launch of two quantum beds by the Chief Minister on Tuesday would herald a new chapter in indigenous scientific capability and place Amaravati firmly on the global technology map. "The pace at which this has been achieved was beyond anyone's expectations," Mr. Satyakumar observed, commending the Chief Minister's resolve and unwavering commitment to the vision.

The Minister elaborated on the transformative potential of quantum computing across multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on healthcare. He noted that the technology would significantly advance medical research, enable deeper analysis of the origins and progression of diseases, and accelerate the discovery of new drugs. "This is a revolutionary development that will bring about far-reaching changes across several fields," he said.

Mr. Satyakumar credited the achievement entirely to the Chief Minister's vision and sustained effort, noting that Andhra Pradesh had become the first State in the country to reach this milestone. He also conveyed his gratitude to the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with various institutions and scientists, for their cooperation and support in realising this goal. "Tuesday is a day every Telugu person can take pride in," the Minister added.

Sharp attack on Jagan Reddy

Turning to the political situation in the State, Andhra Pradesh State Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav launched a sharp attack on former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of pursuing a deliberate strategy to obstruct and undermine the progress of Amaravati's development.

The Minister recalled that Mr. Jagan Reddy had himself declared before the Assembly that Amaravati was the State capital, only to subsequently float the contentious three-capital proposal. He said the former Chief Minister's recent advocacy of a "Mavigan" formulation — referencing the cities of Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, and Guntur — was incoherent and reflected a disturbed political disposition. "Even as the public has rejected these arguments, the former Chief Minister shows no sign of introspection. This is a curse the State has had to endure," Mr. Satyakumar said.

The Minister questioned the relevance of Mr. Jagan Reddy's sudden discovery of the three cities twelve years after the State's formation, calling it farcical. He also took strong exception to the former Chief Minister raising questions about the cost of construction materials for Amaravati, while having spent Rs. 500 crore of public money to build a private residence in Visakhapatnam. "Such conduct is thoroughly unbecoming," he said.

A word of caution for the public

Concluding his statement, Mr. Satyakumar urged the people of the State to remain vigilant and carefully observe the unfolding developments. He called on them to recognise the stark contrast between the Chief Minister's constructive efforts toward the State's development and what he described as the former Chief Minister's relentless campaign of disruption, and to exercise discernment in assessing the two.

Visakhapatnam, April 12: State Health Minister Y. Satyakumar Yadav on Monday announced that the Centre is set to introduce the 'Nari Shakti Vandanam' legislation aimed at ensuring adequate representation for women in legislative bodies, with parliamentary debate on the Bill scheduled for the 17th and 18th of this month.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP district office, presided over by district president M.M.N. Parashurama Raju, the Minister underscored the stark disparity between women's share of the population and their presence in elected bodies. "Women constitute more than half the country's population, yet their representation in legislatures stands at a mere 13 per cent," he said.

Mr. Satyakumar pointed to the success of the 33 per cent reservation for women in local bodies as evidence of their capability and readiness for a larger political role. He also cited schemes such as Jan Dhan accounts, Startup India, and Stand Up India as instruments through which women had achieved greater economic self-reliance in recent years.

Reaffirming the NDA coalition's commitment to substantive rather than rhetorical women's empowerment, the Minister stated that the alliance had set itself the goal of implementing the women's reservation framework from the next elections onward.

Opposition in the crosshairs

Turning to political matters, Mr. Satyakumar trained his criticism on the opposition, expressing surprise that the Congress party, which he said had failed to cross even the 100-seat mark, continued to level charges against the government. He also took strong exception to remarks by YSRCP leaders regarding investments by global firms such as Google and ArcelorMittal in the State, calling their statements unwarranted.

On the Bhogapuram project, the Minister said it was untenable for those who had neglected the initiative for five years to now claim ownership of it.

Commenting on the broader national political landscape, Mr. Satyakumar asserted that a change in governance was needed in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, and added that senior coalition leaders would campaign in areas with a significant Telugu-speaking population wherever elections are under way.

The press conference was attended by BJP Legislature Party leader P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, TDP district president Ch. Pattabhi, BJP State secretary U. Sujatha Raj, and women leaders N. Jyothi and Ananthalakshmi, among others.

BJP's Midnight March: Night Campaign Blazes Through Kongad as Party Eyes Historic Victory

KONGAD, KERALA — The sun may have set over Kongad, but the campaign never stops.

In a striking display of electoral determination that has set the constituency buzzing, BJP workers took their campaign deep into the night on Saturday — moving street by street, door by door, household by household — in a powerful nocturnal outreach that signals the party's absolute commitment to leaving no voter uncontacted and no vote uncontested in the Kongad Assembly Constituency.

The night campaign — drawing enthusiastic participation from dedicated party workers and local leaders — painted Kongad's streets in the BJP's colours long after darkness fell, sending an unmistakable message to rivals and supporters alike: this party is hungry for victory, and it will work around the clock to achieve it.

"From Day to Night, Our Mission is Victory"

Dr. Dileep Kilaru, BJP Election Incharge for Kongad Assembly Constituency, left no doubt about the party's intent or its energy.

"The campaign momentum continues even after sunset," Dr. Kilaru declared. "From day to night, our mission is victory. Our karyakarthas are moving from street to street, interacting directly with voters, sharing our vision, and reaching every single household in Kongad. We are committed to securing a historic victory for this constituency."

His words captured the spirit of a campaign that refuses to be constrained by daylight hours — a campaign built on the conviction that Kongad is ready for change, and that change requires the kind of relentless, boots-on-the-ground effort that only a truly motivated political organisation can sustain.

Street by Street, Door by Door

What made Saturday night's campaign distinctive was not just its timing but its method.

Rather than relying on mass rallies or megaphone politics, BJP workers fanned out across Kongad's neighbourhoods in small, mobile groups — knocking on doors, engaging voters in face-to-face conversation, listening to concerns, and sharing the party's vision for the constituency's future.

The approach was personal, direct, and deliberately intimate — designed to reach voters where they are most comfortable and most receptive: in their own homes and on their own streets.

The response, according to Dr. Kilaru and the campaign team, was overwhelmingly positive. High energy among workers was matched by strong public support from residents — with many voters expressing enthusiasm for the BJP's message and eagerness to see real change in Kongad.

Karyakarthas Fuel the Fire

At the heart of Saturday night's campaign was something that no election strategy document can manufacture — genuine grassroots commitment.

BJP karyakarthas, the dedicated party workers who form the backbone of the organisation's electoral machine, threw themselves into the night campaign with infectious enthusiasm. Undeterred by the late hour, they marched through Kongad's streets with energy and purpose — chanting, engaging, connecting, and building the human-to-human relationships that ultimately decide elections.

Their dedication, Dr. Kilaru said, reflects the deep conviction within the party that Kongad represents not just an electoral opportunity but a genuine mandate for change — and that the voters of Kongad deserve a party willing to work tirelessly to earn their trust.

Kongad Is Ready for Change

Dr. Dileep Kilaru's assessment of the political mood in Kongad was confident and direct.

"The spirit on the ground is clear," he said. "Kongad is ready for change and victory. We can feel it in every interaction, in every street, in every household we visit. The people of Kongad want something different — and the BJP is here to deliver it."

The night campaign, he added, is part of a comprehensive and sustained outreach strategy that combines door-to-door contact, direct voter interaction, and high-energy public engagement — all designed to ensure that the BJP's message penetrates every corner of the constituency before polling day.

A Campaign That Never Sleeps

Saturday's night campaign in Kongad is part of a broader BJP electoral push across Kerala — a state where the party has long sought to expand its footprint and establish itself as a genuine political force capable of challenging the established dominance of the Left and the Congress.

Kongad represents exactly the kind of constituency where the BJP believes it can make a breakthrough — and the intensity of Saturday night's campaign reflects the seriousness of that belief.

With workers on the streets from dawn to well past dusk, with direct voter engagement at the heart of the strategy, and with Dr. Dileep Kilaru driving the campaign with visible passion and purpose, the BJP is making a clear statement in Kongad:

This party is not here to make up the numbers. It is here to win.

And if that means campaigning through the night — so be it.