Congress Does Not Favour Enhanced Representation Of Women, Says Odisha Cm Majhi; Calls Bill’s Defeat A ‘Black Day’

Addressing mediapersons at the BJP state headquarters here alongside Lok Sabha MP Bansuri Swaraj, Majhi said women have demonstrated excellence across sectors and constitute nearly half of India’s 140 crore population. He stressed that increasing women’s participation in Parliament and state assemblies is essential for inclusive governance.

The Chief Minister alleged that the Congress does not favour enhanced representation of women. Claiming that the bill’s passage could have resulted in around 272 women members in Parliament, he described its defeat as a “black day” in the history of Indian democracy.

Highlighting the Centre’s commitment, Majhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to empower women and will ensure implementation of the legislation. “Those who think they have blocked it are mistaken. What Modi resolves, he delivers,” he said.

Majhi further warned that the Congress and other Opposition parties would face public anger from women voters. “April 17, 2026 will go down as a black day in Indian democracy. The Opposition, led by Congress, shattered the dreams of crores of women by defeating the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha and are celebrating it,” he said.

He added that the development reflects the Opposition’s “short-sightedness” and asserted that women voters would respond through the ballot box in the coming days.

Speaking on the occasion, Swaraj said women in India are proving their capabilities across fields but alleged that for the Congress, women’s empowerment has remained merely a slogan. She also criticised Opposition parties for reportedly celebrating the bill’s failure, calling it insensitive to the aspirations of women.