Black Day for Democracy: Odisha CM on Opposition's Women's Bill Snub

BHUBANESWAR – Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday labeled April 17 as India's 'blackest day' in democratic annals, ripping into the Congress-led opposition for derailing the landmark women's reservation bill. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, dubbed Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, sought 33% quota for women in Lok Sabha and assemblies. Yet, opposition parties blocked it, allegedly celebrating the setback with smirks, Majhi claimed in his press briefing. Drawing a chilling parallel to the 1975 Emergency revelry, Majhi accused them of arrogance over substance. 'This is their ego on display, not women's loss. The ballot will deliver justice,' he asserted confidently. He directly called out Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi for thwarting a pro-women measure. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj amplified the criticism, noting PM Modi's intent for quick rollout ahead of elections, foiled by naysayers. TMC drew flak too—Mamata's leadership notwithstanding, her party abstained at crunch time. On delimitation hurdles, Swaraj detailed the government's fair plan: 2011 census base, 50% seat hike to balance northern population bulge without penalizing southern progress in family planning. Majhi reflected on opposition's track record: empowerment talk that's all show, no substance. Especially when push comes to shove, actions betray words. With elections on horizon, Majhi's salvo positions BJP as women's true ally, promising to revive and pass the bill for a more inclusive legislature.