Nidadavole (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 18 (TNT):Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday termed the blocking of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament as a “black day” in the history of Indian democracy, accusing opposition parties led by the Indian National Congress of betraying women.
Participating in a protest rally organised by NDA allies in Nidadavole, Naidu demanded that opposition parties apologise to women for stalling the Bill.
Leaders of the Telugu Desam Party, Bharatiya Janata Party and Jana Sena Party took part in the demonstration, raising slogans and holding placards against the opposition’s stance.
Naidu alleged that opposition parties were treating women merely as a vote bank while denying them political representation.
He said respecting women is integral to Indian culture and described the developments in Parliament as contrary to that principle.
Referring to assurances by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he said southern and smaller states would not face injustice and that parliamentary seats would be increased by 50 per cent, including in Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said the agitation would be intensified and taken to the grassroots level. He added that after consultations with Pawan Kalyan, the protest would be expanded further.
Naidu recalled that the TDP government had passed a resolution in 2017 supporting women’s reservation, and alleged that Congress had failed to enact such a law during its tenure.
He accused opposition parties of deliberately preventing the Bill from securing the required majority by raising “baseless” concerns over regional imbalance.
“Women constitute half the population and are excelling in every field. Denying them representation is an injustice,” he said, urging voters to hold such parties accountable.
Several leaders, including BJP state president P.V.N. Madhav and Minister Kandula Durgesh, participated in the rally.
TNT KM
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