New Delhi: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi on Saturday termed the rejection of the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha as a “major victory for democracy,” alleging that the government was attempting to retain power through delimitation and women’s reservation.
Reacting to the developments in Parliament, she said the bill—aimed at increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850—was part of a larger political strategy.
“I am very happy that the bill to increase seats in the Lok Sabha has been defeated. The ruling side cannot label us anti-women and project itself as a messiah,” she said.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, introduced by the Centre on Friday, failed to pass after falling short by 54 votes.
Gandhi alleged that the move was a “conspiracy” to stay in power, adding that delimitation was unlikely before 2029 and that women’s reservation was being used as a pretext.
“The entire plan was to remain in power. If the bill passed, they would claim victory; if not, they would try to portray the opposition as anti-women,” she said.
She further added that the outcome reflects the strength of opposition unity and asserted that the move was more about delimitation than genuine empowerment of women.
