The defeat of the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha has triggered a fierce debate in Goa, with local leaders and civil society members sharply divided over the legislative setback. From the boardrooms of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to grassroots self-help groups, the failure of the bill has ignited a wave of resentment, with many questioning the political sincerity behind a reform that has remained in limbo for decades.
Former Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress president Beena S Naik said, “Why BJP women and men are tom-tomming and shedding crocodile tears when they themselves could not provide security to women in India. The Women’s Reservation Bill of 33 per cent reservation was already passed in September 2023 as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam with broad support from Opposition including Congress. It is already notified from April 16, 2026.”
She said, “Janganana or delimitation has already started from April 1, 2026. Therefore, BJP government, considering the Census of 2011, can implement it immediately with proper reservation that opposition party is asking for.”
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She said, “In India, women’s representation in village panchayats and municipal councils increased significantly due to the constitutional 73rd and 74th Amendments. Hats off to Congress leaders Rajiv Gandhi and then Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao who fulfilled the dream cherished by late Rajiv. Today India has around 14-15 lakh elected women representatives in local government and it’s sheerly because of the foresight of Congress leaders. Many States have increased reservation to 50 percent for women, similar to Panchayats. Why are BJP leaders trying to hide their misdeeds behind the “Palloo” of women bill?”
Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) president Pratima Dhond said, “It has not happened, what else can we say? It should have been passed because women have always been deprived in every way. They should have got a chance. They should have provided 33 per cent reservation for women. All political parties should have passed these bills first. I feel that women would have got opportunities.”
“Whatever may be the reasons, the constitutional amendment bill for Women’s Reservation should have been passed. It is shameful that the oppositions in Lok Sabha failed to support such an important piece of legislation aimed at empowering women in the country. While there may have been differing political intentions behind the bill, including discussions on increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats, the core issue of ensuring 33 per cent reservation for women was both genuine and long overdue. Women in India have consistently proven their capabilities across various sectors, yet their representation in Parliament remains disproportionately low, making this bill a crucial step toward correcting that imbalance and promoting inclusive governance,” said Auda Viegas, President of Bailancho Ekvott.
Raia sarpanch Minguelina D’Souza said, “Passing the bill at this stage would have been the perfect opportunity to ensure that women receive the representation they rightfully deserve at the political level. Denying it now sends a disappointing message about the commitment to gender equality. The need of the hour is for lawmakers to rise above political considerations and support measures that strengthen democratic representation, as providing adequate space for women in decision-making bodies is not just a matter of justice, but also essential for holistic national development.”
“The rejection of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha raises serious questions about the intent of the NDA government. It appears the government was aware the bill would be defeated, yet chose to push it in a manner that would allow them to later claim they were right and mislead the public narrative. If the objective was truly to ensure women’s representation, a simple question arises — why not implement the 33 per cent reservation within the existing number of seats instead of linking it to an increase in seats? This approach only delays justice for women and creates unnecessary political confusion. Women across the country have been waiting for meaningful representation, and such tactics undermine that aspiration. The focus should be on genuine empowerment, not political positioning,” said Reena D’Costa, member of a self-help group from Salcete.
Sankhali Municipal Council Chairperson Siddhi Parab said, “Women have been given greater importance in the country. It was a historic bill. The BJP has always focused on women’s empowerment, but the Congress has shown how such important bills can be opposed. Women will teach the Congress party a lesson in the next elections. I strongly condemn this.”
