New Delhi, 19 April (H.S.):

Political tensions escalated following the Lok Sabha's rejection of the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill on women's reservation, prompting a sharp Congress counteroffensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's accusations against opposition parties.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate grilled the government during a press briefing at party headquarters, questioning why—if truly committed—one-third (181 seats) of the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies aren't immediately reserved for women.

She emphasized the opposition's sustained demand for tabling the bill sans conditions, pledging full support for swift enactment. Shrinate accused the government of stalling implementation despite the measure's prior parliamentary passage and constitutional enshrinement.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar