KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL — BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut has strongly criticised opposition parties over the failure of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, calling the development “heartbreaking” and a setback for women across the country.
Speaking during the West Bengal Elections 2026 campaign in Kolkata, Ranaut alleged that opposition parties came together to prevent the bill from being passed, describing their actions as a “conspiracy against the women of India.” She claimed that the bill, which aimed to ensure 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, was a historic opportunity to strengthen women’s participation in governance.
Ranaut выразила disappointment over the outcome, stating that instead of supporting a measure meant for women’s empowerment, opposition leaders chose political alignment over social progress. According to her, this has delayed a long-standing demand for greater representation of women in legislative bodies.
In a sharp remark, she alleged that opposition leaders celebrated after the bill failed to pass, saying they “cheered and hooted” following the outcome. She described this reaction as deeply insensitive and accused them of “backstabbing women” by blocking a reform that could have benefited millions.
The BJP MP further said that women across the country were looking forward to the bill’s passage, and its failure has caused disappointment among those who expected a positive change. She added that such actions raise serious questions about the opposition’s commitment to women’s rights.
Mrs. Ranaut told that women’s empowerment should rise above political divisions, and that issues affecting half the population must be treated with seriousness and unity. She argued that legislative reforms aimed at gender equality should not become victims of political rivalry.
Her remarks come amid an ongoing political debate following the rejection of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, with leaders from the ruling alliance and opposition offering contrasting views on the reasons behind its failure.
While the government has maintained that the bill was a major step toward empowering women, opposition parties have argued that its linkage with delimitation and other factors created complications and reduced support.
Political observers note that the issue of women’s reservation has become a central theme in current political discourse, with both sides attempting to shape public perception ahead of elections.
Kangana Ranaut’s statement adds to the strong reactions from BJP leaders, highlighting the party’s position that the bill’s failure represents a missed opportunity for women’s empowerment and placing responsibility on opposition parties for blocking its passage.
