'Dark day for democracy' : Karnataka BJP MP Kota Poojary slams Congress over defeat of women's reservation bill

New Delhi: Udupi-Chikmagalur BJP MP Kota Srinivasa Poojary on Saturday strongly criticised the Opposition, particularly the Congress, for opposing the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill, 2026, and described it as a “dark day” for democracy.

"The Congress stand on women’s reservation has exposed how personal ego and political prestige have taken precedence over national interest and women’s empowerment,” he told media persons here.

Poojary held the Congress and other opposition parties responsible for the defeat of the bill, accusing them of “irresponsible behaviour and lack of accountability."

"By opposing this historic bill, they have insulted the women of the country. They are behaving as if they have achieved a great victory by doing injustice to women,” he added.

He pointed out that if the bill had been passed, it would have created opportunities for women from SC, ST, Adivasi, and tribal communities as well.

“But for the sake of their prestige, they have destroyed this valuable legislation,” he lamented.

He said Opposition parties against the Women Reservation apprehending losing of their Lok Sabha constituencies.

Poojary urged the Opposition to rise above narrow politics and support measures that genuinely empower women.