India's Women's Reservation Bill Fails in Parliament; PM Modi to Address Nation
India's BJP-led government failed to secure the required two-thirds majority to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill for 33% women's reservation, with 298 members supporting and 230 opposing in the Lok Sabha. PM Modi announced he would address the nation following the vote. BJP accused Congress and its allies of celebrating the setback and having a 'history' of neglecting women's welfare, while Congress countered that it exposed the NDA's 'ulterior motive' to gain political mileage ahead of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal elections. In Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called the episode 'deceptive political drama,' as state BJP announced protests against Congress's alleged 'anti-women' stance.
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