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MP CM Mohan Yadav targets Priyanka Gandhi over women’s reservation bill, backs protest march
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav criticised Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over the party's stance on the women’s reservation bill, saying the Opposition was stifling women’s rights after the bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha. He backed a protest march and a padyatra from Bhopal, urging nationwide action. Priyanka Gandhi argued Congress would implement the reservation within the current Lok Sabha and alleged the Centre aims to alter federal structure and delimitation for political gain.
Why It Matters
The bill's defeat has sparked heated political exchanges and highlights tensions around women's representation and federal balance in India, with parties mobilising women and framing the issue as a test of democratic rights.
Timeline
2 Events
MP CM Mohan Yadav targets Priyanka Gandhi, backs protest; padyatra launched
April 22, 2026
In the wake of the bill's defeat, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav criticised Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her party’s stance on the women's reservation bill, accusing the Opposition of stifling women's rights. He thanked women who participated in the padyatra and urged them to take their protest nationwide. Yadav stated the state government would support the protest and take institutional steps against opponents of the bill. He invoked social reformers and leaders such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Jyotiba Phule and B R Ambedkar, and referenced Narenda Modi's remark that women ‘never forget their insults’ to contextualise the issue. He alleged the Congress and its allies had historically opposed women’s rights and would continue to do so. The padyatra, launched from Bhopal, occurred on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, as part of the broader protest strategy.
Constitution Amendment Bill defeated in Lok Sabha
April 17, 2026
The Constitution Amendment Bill, which sought to implement reservation for women in legislatures from 2029 and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats, was defeated in the Lok Sabha after failing to secure the required two-thirds majority. The result was 298 MPs in favour and 230 opposed, short of the 352 votes needed.