The failure to pass the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, widely referred to as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, has sparked a strong reaction from Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. Following the bill’s inability to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha on Friday, the chief minister expressed profound disappointment, describing the outcome as a significant “Black Day” for the aspirations of millions of women across the country.
The proposed legislation, which aimed to implement a 33 percent reservation for women in legislative bodies by 2029 while simultaneously increasing the total number of Lok Sabha seats, fell short of the required threshold. Out of the 528 members who participated in the voting process, 298 voted in favor, while 230 opposed it. To meet the two-thirds majority requirement, the bill needed at least 352 votes.
Reacting sharply to the outcome, Chief Minister Tamang took to social media to voice his frustrations, directly criticizing the opposition parties. He alleged that the defeat was the result of “ruthless politics” designed to deny credit to the government, rather than a genuine disagreement with the merits of the bill. “I am deeply disheartened that this bill could not pass despite the hopes of millions of women,” Tamang stated. He warned the opposing factions that their actions would not go unnoticed by the electorate, asserting, “They will face the wrath of women across the country.”
The chief minister highlighted the strong support for the reform within his own state, noting that the women of Sikkim—mothers, sisters, and daughters—had rallied in Gangtok to demonstrate their solidarity for equality and increased political representation. He pointed to these demonstrations as a testament to the nation’s readiness for this historic change.
Reflecting on the wider implications, Tamang termed the bill’s failure a severe setback to women’s dreams of participating in high-level decision-making roles. He argued that the progress of the nation had been stalled by political maneuvering. However, the chief minister reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to the cause. He concluded with a pledge to continue the fight for inclusivity, emphasizing that the voices of women must remain a central driver in shaping a just and empowered India. As of now, the government has yet to signal whether it will reintroduce the legislation in an amended form in future sessions.
