“Betrayal of the Nation”: AP CM Slams Opposition for Blocking Women’s Reservation Bill

Nidadavolu: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Opposition today, April 18, 2026, describing the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in Parliament as a “black day for Indian democracy” and a direct “betrayal” of millions of women.

Addressing a massive NDA protest rally in Nidadavolu, East Godavari district, Naidu was joined by leaders of the BJP and Jana Sena Party (JSP). The Chief Minister expressed his outrage over the Bill’s failure to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha yesterday, which has effectively stalled the 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies.

Naidu, who has been a vocal proponent of women’s empowerment throughout his political career, accused the Opposition of prioritizing political agendas over national progress. He claimed that the parties celebrating the Bill’s defeat have “shattered a three-decade-long dream.”

“Yesterday will be remembered as a black day. We all believed that the 33% reservation—a long-cherished dream—would finally be fulfilled,” Naidu told the gathering. “By blocking this Bill, the Congress and its allies have done a grave injustice to the 50% of the population that is excelling in every field today.”

The Chief Minister directly addressed the Opposition’s primary excuse for voting against the Bill: the fear that the accompanying delimitation exercise would reduce the political voice of Southern states. Naidu emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had already provided verbal and written assurances that no state would lose out.

Naidu reiterated the Centre’s proposal to increase the total number of Lok Sabha seats by 50%, ensuring that even as the North gains seats, the South’s representation remains intact or grows.

He assured the crowd that under the NDA’s plan, Andhra Pradesh would see a significant increase in its parliamentary presence, making the Opposition’s “scare tactics” baseless.