Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday staged a symbolic protest against the non-passage of the proposed women-focused constitutional amendment bill, accusing Opposition parties of obstructing greater representation for women in Parliament.
Black armband protest at summit
According to The Times of India, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta wore a black armband while attending a women entrepreneurs’ summit organised by the Confederation of All India Traders in Delhi. Calling the development “painful,” she criticised Opposition parties for blocking the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. She also led sloganeering at the event, voicing support for women’s rights and representation.
Sharp attack on Opposition
In her remarks, Gupta alleged that Opposition parties were deliberately preventing women from entering Parliament in larger numbers. She said their stance would be questioned by women voters across constituencies.
“The Opposition had decided that at any cost, women should not reach the Lok Sabha,” she said, adding that such politics ignores the aspirations of millions of women across the country.
Debate over representation
The chief minister argued that India’s growing population justifies an increase in parliamentary seats, which could create more opportunities for women’s representation. She claimed that resistance to such changes stems from reluctance to alter existing political strongholds. Gupta also compared India’s representation levels with several Western countries, noting that women’s participation in legislatures abroad is significantly higher.
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‘Beyond politics’, says CM
Framing the issue as one of dignity rather than politics, Gupta said the bill’s failure represented a missed opportunity to empower women in decision-making roles. She further alleged that Opposition parties have historically obstructed measures aimed at women’s empowerment, calling their approach inconsistent with public expectations.
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Political implications
The remarks signal a renewed political push around women’s representation, a subject that often resurfaces ahead of major elections. With strong statements from the chief minister, the issue is likely to remain a point of contention between the ruling side and the Opposition in the coming weeks.
