Modi Criticizes Congress Over Failed Women's Quota Bill

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken aim at the main opposition Congress party, blaming them for the failure to pass a law that would have reserved one-third of parliamentary seats for women. The proposed legislation was tied to a broader redrawing of India's voting boundaries.

Speaking at a rally in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, Modi criticized the Congress party for not supporting the women's quota bill when they previously held power. "The women's reservation bill could not be passed because of the Congress party's opposition," he told the crowd.

The women's quota plan has been a long-standing issue in Indian politics, with various iterations proposed over the decades. Supporters argue it would help increase female representation in the male-dominated Indian parliament, where women currently hold only around 14% of seats.

However, the bill has faced resistance from some parties who raised concerns about how the quota would interact with existing reservations for other marginalized groups. The plan was also linked to a broader redrawing of India's voting districts, which can be a politically contentious process.

Modi's comments come as his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gears up for key state elections, including in Madhya Pradesh, where the party is seeking to retain power. The women's quota issue is likely to feature prominently in the BJP's campaign, as the party attempts to portray itself as a champion of women's empowerment.

Despite the setbacks, advocates for the women's quota say the issue remains an important priority. "Gender equality in political representation is crucial for a healthy democracy," said Ranjana Kumari, director of the Center for Social Research in New Delhi. "We will continue to push for this reform."