VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html 7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities Libra, Weekly Horoscope, April 19 to April 25, 2026: Week demands patience and careful attention to avoid distractions and minor setbacks ‘Anti-Al’ attacker who tried to murder OpenAI CEO Sam Altman found ChatGPT ‘awesome’ because… NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta inspected the ongoing construction work at RK Ashram Marg Metro Station on Saturday, being developed under Phase 4 of the Delhi Metro project.During the visit, she also reviewed the progress with officials from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).She said the Delhi Metro is the lifeline of the national capital, with lakhs of passengers depending on it daily, and stressed the need to maintain high standards of quality, safety and timely completion in all construction work.The chief minister also discussed the pace of work, construction quality and measures being taken to improve passenger facilities at the station.She directed officials to ensure transparent execution and maintain the construction speed so that commuters face no inconvenience during the development work.Gupta said strengthening and modernising Delhi’s connectivity infrastructure in line with the city’s growing needs remains the government’s priority.She described the Metro Phase 4 expansion as an important step towards building a more developed and better-connected Delhi.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha RowNo Nari Shakti! Women’s Bill Fails Lok Sabha Test, Protest Erupt | ‘Women Won’t Forgive’123Photostories’The Devil Wears Prada 2’ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potentialIndian dishes astronauts took to space and why they chose themLucknow-Kanpur expressway set to open: Rs 275 toll for one-way, Rs 415 for return within 24 hoursFrom rejecting the role of Jethalal in TMKOC to building a net worth of Rs 40 crore: Lesser-known facts about Ali AsgarNayanthara and Vignesh Shivan on Parenting: 6 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kids8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin C DeficiencyWhy traditional Indian homes were naturally cooler and what modern designs can learn from them123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayAnti-Islam influencerNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event India remains among best-performing major economies: S&P Global Aditya Dhar praises ‘Dhurandhar’ choreographer Vijay Ganguly: ‘There’s a storyteller in him that goes beyond choreography’ Virgo, Weekly Horoscope, April 19 to April 25, 2026: Expect a week of fortunate turns IPL 2026: Tim David denies single, falls next ball as costly blunder triggers RCB slide UK man pleads guilty in US hacking case involving over $8m in virtual currency theft NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday attended the inauguration ceremony of the Char Dham Yatra 2026, organised by the Joint Rotation Yatra Arrangement Committee in Rishikesh.On the occasion, he flagged off buses carrying pilgrims to the Char Dham shrines and also inspected a free medical camp set up for devotees.Welcoming pilgrims from across the country to Uttarakhand, the chief minister said that the Char Dham Yatra is a path that connects faith, devotion, and the soul. He noted that the journey gives strength to overcome every challenge. He reiterated the government’s commitment to making the yatra smooth, safe, well-organised, and divine, adding that it provides spiritual peace and energy to millions of devotees.The chief minister said that with the blessings of Mother Ganga, the yatra continues to set new records every year. He emphasised that the state government is firmly committed to ensuring a safe pilgrimage and that he is personally reviewing the preparations on a regular basis. The government’s goal is to provide every pilgrim with safety, respect, and a divine experience, so that they carry back golden memories from Devbhoomi.He urged all pilgrims to maintain cleanliness at religious sites and along the travel routes, stating that every particle of Uttarakhand is sacred and preserving its purity is a collective responsibility. He added that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has set targets for a Green Char Dham Yatra and a plastic-free Kedarnath Dham. Proper sanitation arrangements have been ensured along the routes, and it has been made mandatory to keep dustbins in all vehicles. He said that just as people keep their home temples clean, Devbhoomi must also be kept pure and clean.Highlighting infrastructure developments, the chief minister said that several historic initiatives are being undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make the journey more convenient. He mentioned the recent inauguration of the Rs 12,000 crore Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, which has made travel faster and easier. Reconstruction work is progressing at Kedarnath and Badrinath, while facilities are being rapidly expanded at Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Hemkund Sahib.He further said that under the All-Weather Road project, pilgrimage routes have been made more accessible. Ropeway projects from Gaurikund to Kedarnath and from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib are also progressing. He noted that the Char Dham Yatra supports the livelihoods of lakhs of people and urged pilgrims to promote local products and contribute to the local economy.Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal said that the state government is working with full sensitivity toward the convenience, safety, and health of pilgrims. He advised travellers to follow the official guidelines and undergo health check-ups before undertaking the journey if necessary. He informed that a medical hospital in Kedarnath is ready, while a 50-bed hospital in Badrinath will be completed by June. Adequate healthcare facilities have been arranged along the route.Cabinet minister Pradeep Batra said that the Transport Department is continuously preparing for the upcoming yatra. He stated that it is their responsibility to ensure a smooth and safe journey for every pilgrim visiting the state. This year, shuttle services have been introduced on single-lane roads and in landslide-prone areas. A helpline number will also be provided for movable shuttle services, and LED displays will be installed at various locations to disseminate information.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha RowNo Nari Shakti! Women’s Bill Fails Lok Sabha Test, Protest Erupt | ‘Women Won’t Forgive’123Photostories’The Devil Wears Prada 2’ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potentialIndian dishes astronauts took to space and why they chose themGetting married after 30? Have THESE 5 conversations first or regret it laterLucknow-Kanpur expressway set to open: Rs 275 toll for one-way, Rs 415 for return within 24 hoursFrom rejecting the role of Jethalal in TMKOC to building a net worth of Rs 40 crore: Lesser-known facts about Ali AsgarNayanthara and Vignesh Shivan on Parenting: 6 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kids8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayAnti-Islam influencerNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event IPL 2026: Harbhajan Singh drops big take, calls Ashish Nehra ‘a football coach’ | Cricket News Marriage Advice: A simple habit that can save your marriage | Row over women quota bill: BJP leaders protest against Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, burn effigies; 2 MPs detained Kash Patel’s ‘erratic’ habits raise concerns as FBI director’s late-night drinking delays meetings: Report Allahabad high court stays FIR order against Rahul Gandhi in dual citizenship case | India News SEC, Adanis jointly seek extension; propose new briefing schedule in US case Leo, Weekly Horoscope, April 19 to April 25, 2026: Week requires careful communication to avoid conflict $50,000 million revenue blow: What led to half a billion barrels being erased during Iran war . Another Indian tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz as Iran shut the route for US-linked traffic amid rising tensions.PM Narendra Modi will address the nation tonight after the women’s quota bill failed in the Lok Sabha.The failure of the women’s reservation bill has raised questions over strategy, with signals of political positioning by the government.The Centre approved a 2% DA hike for government employees and pensioners, effective January 2026.A probe is under way in the TCS Nashik case, with no POSH complaints found so far and the accused employee still untraceable.Here are the top 5 news of the dayAnother Indian oil tanker crosses Hormuz as Iran shuts strait for USAnother Indian crude oil tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, even as tensions around the waterway remained high. Maritime traffic data showed that Desh Garima passed through the strait, becoming the 10th Indian vessel to cross Hormuz since the war between Iran and the United States began, and the second since the ceasefire. Read morePrime Minister Narendra Modi to address nation at 8.30pm todayPrime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8.30 pm on Saturday. There is no clarity yet on what the Prime Minister is expected to speak about.The speech comes a day after a major setback for the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha, where the Constitution Amendment Bill linked to the Women’s Reservation policy failed to pass. Read moreWomen quota bill fails in Lok Sabha: Strategic move or poor planning?For the first time since 2014, when PM Modi came to power, his government failed to pass a bill in Parliament. From the outset, it was clear that the government would struggle to secure the roughly 360 votes needed for passage. Yet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah signalled during the debate in Lok Sabha that the intention was not just legislative success, but political positioning. Read moreGovernment approves 2% dearness allowance raise for central government employeesThe Cabinet on Saturday approved a 2 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for Central government employees and pensioners, taking the rate to 60 per cent of basic pay, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced.The hike will be effective from January 1, 2026, and is expected to benefit about 50.5 lakh employees and 68.3 lakh pensioners. Read moreTCS Nashik case: No complaints through POSH channels, absconding female employee; what we knowThe Fact Finding Committee has begun its inquiry into the alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion case linked to the TCS office in Nashik, advocate Monika Arora said on Saturday. TCS has said that a preliminary review found no such complaints filed through its ethics or POSH channels, while an internal probe with independent oversight is ongoing. Read moreAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha RowNo Nari Shakti! Women’s Bill Fails Lok Sabha Test, Protest Erupt | ‘Women Won’t Forgive’Trump’s Expected Pakistan Visit May Include Kashmir Talks, Report Fuels Speculation123Photostories’The Devil Wears Prada 2’ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potentialIndian dishes astronauts took to space and why they chose themGetting married after 30? Have THESE 5 conversations first or regret it laterLucknow-Kanpur expressway set to open: Rs 275 toll for one-way, Rs 415 for return within 24 hoursFrom rejecting the role of Jethalal in TMKOC to building a net worth of Rs 40 crore: Lesser-known facts about Ali AsgarNayanthara and Vignesh Shivan on Parenting: 6 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kids8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayAnti-Islam influencerNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event OUAT 2026 registration begins for UG admissions: Check key dates and direct link to apply ‘I want to see her growing’: ‘Toaster’ Rajkummar Rao to limit work to two films a year for daughter Parvati The Rise of Smart, Connected, and Safety-Driven Vehicle Accessories Indian tankers turn back amid Iran’s mixed Hormuz signals; gunfire hits other ships | India News Hollywood's biggest Summer releases of 2026 Cancer, Weekly Horoscope, April 19 to April 25, 2026: Love life sees improvements Ola offers Rs 50K discounts, gold-plated scooter: Deal explained IPL 2026: ‘Sanju Samson will captain CSK’ – Ashwin makes bold claim on leadership shift Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed named head coach; Pakistan include 4 uncapped for Bangladesh Tests Hormuz flashpoint: Why Indian-flagged ships are in focus as Middle East tensions hit global shipping Yuzvendra Chahal files defamation case against Taniya Chatterjee over viral ‘Cute’ DM clip – Report Aries, Weekly Horoscope, April 19 to April 25, 2026: Caution is advised for physical well-being and finances As Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei met with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Trump says: Who … ICICI Bank Q4FY26 net profit rises 8.5% to Rs 13701 crore, full year net crosses Rs 50k crore Why over 643,000 students are still waiting for IDR approval and loan forgiveness in the US ‘Aashiqui’ star Rahul Roy spotted in Mumbai looking strikingly different, fans react to the actor’s new long-hair avatar – Watch Gemini, Weekly Horoscope, April 19 to April 25, 2026: Financial prudence is key Open, shut, open, shut: What’s up with Strait of Hormuz? US President Trump and India’s then-US envoy Taranjit Singh Sandhu (File photo) NEW DELHI: Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s former ambassador to the United States, on Saturday expressed “great satisfaction and happiness” after US President Donald Trump congratulated him on his appointment as Delhi’s lieutenant governor and lauded his “deep commitment” to strengthening bilateral ties.Also Read | ‘Seasoned diplomat’: Trump congratulates former envoy to US Taranjit Sandhu on Delhi LG appointmentSandhu was appointed Delhi’s lieutenant governor in March. He served as India’s envoy in Washington from February 2020 to March 2024. After retiring, he contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Amritsar constituency on the ruling BJP’s ticket, but lost.“The relationship between the United States and India is in the national interests of both countries. The prime minister’s (Narendra Modi) thinking is very clear—he has outlined it many times. I was simply doing my job. It is certainly a matter of satisfaction and happiness that President Trump, in his post, acknowledged that,” the former diplomat told reporters when asked about Trump’s Truth Social message.He added, “But I would also like to mention that President Biden has spoken about the good work as well. Under the prime minister’s guidance, we were able to transform the relationship into a partnership.”Trump was US president when Sandhu was appointed India’s ambassador to Washington, but he lost the November 2020 election to Joe Biden. The Republican returned to the White House after defeating then-Vice President Kamala Harris in November 2024, following Biden’s decision not to seek a second term.On Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Congratulations to Taranjit Sandhu on becoming the new Lt Governor of Delhi! As a seasoned Diplomat and former Ambassador to the United States, he has always shown deep commitment to strengthening the U.S.-India relationship. Wishing him success in leading Delhi’s progress, and furthering global ties!”Sandhu was succeeded in Washington by Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the current envoy. In Delhi, he took over from Vinai Kumar Saxena, who was appointed lieutenant governor of Ladakh.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha RowNo Nari Shakti! Women’s Bill Fails Lok Sabha Test, Protest Erupt | ‘Women Won’t Forgive’Trump’s Expected Pakistan Visit May Include Kashmir Talks, Report Fuels Speculation123PhotostoriesThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potentialIndian dishes astronauts took to space and why they chose themLucknow-Kanpur expressway set to open: Rs 275 toll for one-way, Rs 415 for return within 24 hoursFrom rejecting the role of Jethalal in TMKOC to building a net worth of Rs 40 crore: Lesser-known facts about Ali AsgarNayanthara and Vignesh Shivan on Parenting: 6 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kids8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin C DeficiencyWhy traditional Indian homes were naturally cooler and what modern designs can learn from them7 traditional Indian summer drinks people drank before refrigeratorsIndia’s NCD crisis is deepening and lifestyle management is the missing link123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayAnti-Islam influencerNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event SRH vs CSK Live Score, IPL 2026: Sanju Samson vs Abhishek Sharma as CSK lock horns with SRH in crucial clash Gujarat Public Service Commission releases 2026 class 1 and 2 exam schedule; download here Avinash Tiwary says men DM him more than women for shirtless scenes: ‘All the gym bros said nice body, bro’ Taurus, Weekly Horoscope, April 19 to April 25, 2026: Week brings recognition and respect Pakistani-origin elderly couple found dead under suspicious circumstances | Jaipur News NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government have had several firsts to its credit in the last 12 years of its rule. On Friday, it added another first to that list. However, this was one “first” which the government may not be very happy about. For the first time since 2014, when PM Modi came to power, his government failed to pass a bill in Parliament. This was a move that could have been avoided. So the question is weather it was a part of the strategy or just poor planning. Watch Modi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority Test A vote meant to be lost?From the outset, it was clear that the government would struggle to secure the roughly 360 votes needed for passage. Even with full NDA support and backing from a few fence-sitters, the numbers simply did not add up.Yet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah signalled during the debate in Lok Sabha that the intention was not just legislative success, but political positioning.By calling for a vote, the government ensured that every MP’s stance would be recorded. In a highly polarised political environment, that list becomes a powerful campaign tool.This is what BJP leaders described as the battle of “neeyat” (intent). “We don’t want credit. I give you a blank cheque for claiming credit on passage of women quota bill. If you want me to use the word ‘guarantee’, I use the word ‘guarantee’. If you want me to make a promise, I use the word ‘promise’. Because if the intention is clear, there is no need to play games with words,” PM Modi told Lok Sabha during the debate.Even in defeat, the government could claim it had done its part to push a reform, while shifting the spotlight onto those who opposed it.In fact, after the bill was defeated, parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju told the House that the opposition lost a historic opportunity to honour the country’s women but the Modi government’s struggle to give rights to women will continue.”We will not take rest till we ensure that the country’s women get reservation in legislatures,” he said. The timing mattersThe timing of the bill was also important. With assembly elections scheduled in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, the move is likely to help BJP in shaping the political narrative well in advance.Some believe the bill would have relieved pressure to grant another OBC quota, given that “social justice” issues have become a red rag for BJP’s social base of upper castes, as was evident from their incendiary reaction to UGC guidelines.The picture is straightforward: the BJP backed a bill that would eventually ensure 33% reservation for women in legislatures, while opposition parties blocked it.Amit Shah made this explicit during his reply, warning that those who voted against the bill would have to answer to women voters.After the voting, Shah specifically blamed “Congress, TMC, DMK, and Samajwadi Party” for not allowing its passage.He said after the bill was defeated, the opposition parties were celebrating and raising victory cries which is beyond imagination and condemnable.”Now, the women of the country will not get the 33 per cent reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, which was their right. The Congress and its allies have done this not for the first time, but repeatedly. Their mindset is neither in the interest of women nor of the country,” he said in a post on X in Hindi.Shah said this “insult to the women of the country will not stop here but will travel far and wide”.”The opposition will have to face the wrath of women not only in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, but at every level, in every election, and at every place,” he said.Meanwhile, BJP sources told TOI that opposition’s “charges were exposed as lies. That opposition did not budge despite Amit Shah’s offer to write a guarantee about South’s share in the law showed they had manufactured a conspiracy.”For the BJP, the vote provides a ready-made contrast: intent versus obstruction. The delimitation factorAt the heart of the controversy lies the structure of the bill itself. It was not a standalone women’s reservation measure, but part of a larger package linked to delimitation.The proposed amendment sought to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to a maximum of 850 seats. The 33% reservation for women was tied to this expanded House, to be implemented after a fresh delimitation exercise based on updated population data.This is where the opposition drew the line.Parties such as the Congress, DMK and Trinamool Congress argued that delimitation based on population would disproportionately affect southern states, which have seen slower population growth compared to the Hindi heartland. They accused the government of using women’s reservation as a cover for a politically sensitive restructuring of parliamentary representation.By bundling the two issues, the government effectively forced a binary choice. Supporting the bill meant accepting the delimitation framework; opposing it risked being labelled anti-women.Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi in a post on X wrote: “The amendment bill has fallen. They used an unconstitutional trick to break the Constitution in the name of women. India has seen it. INDIA has stopped it.”Rahul further said, “I want to tell PM that if he wants women’s reservation, he should bring 2023 law and entire opposition will support it. We clearly said that this is not a women’s bill but an attempt to change India’s electoral structure.” Alliance math on displayThe vote also offered a glimpse into the current state of parliamentary alliances. If not anything, with the voting, the BJP was able to test the strength of its own party and allies and at the same time, also to test the waters in the opposition camp.While the BJP’s own strength in the Lok Sabha is 240, the NDA managed to secure 298 votes, indicating that its allies largely remained on board. This suggests that the coalition, at least for now, is intact and responsive to the BJP’s legislative push.However, the government was unable to attract sufficient support from opposition parties or induce abstentions that could have lowered the effective majority threshold.Regional parties like the YSR Congress Party and the Biju Janata Dal were closely watched.In that sense, the vote functioned as a litmus test — not just of strength, but of reach.The safety net of the 2023 lawEven as the 2026 bill headed towards defeat, the government moved to ensure that the broader objective of women’s reservation was not entirely derailed.In a significant procedural step, it re-notified the 2023 Women’s Reservation Act in the Gazette during the debate. This earlier law provides for 33% reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, but ties its implementation to a future Census and delimitation exercise.By doing so, the government created a fallback. Even if the new amendment failed, which eventually did, the legal framework for reservation would remain intact.The opposition, however, dismissed this as a face-saving exercise, arguing that the government was aware of its lack of numbers and was attempting to manage the optics of defeat.What the defeat meansWith the Constitution Amendment Bill failing, the government has decided not to move related legislation, including the Delimitation Bill and amendments concerning Union Territories.For now, the implementation of women’s reservation remains tied to the 2023 law, which itself depends on processes that are yet to be completed. This leaves timelines uncertain and the issue politically alive.But beyond the legislative outcome, the political consequences are already unfolding.The BJP is expected to use the vote aggressively in its campaign messaging, portraying the opposition as having blocked a key reform. For opposition parties, the challenge will be to explain their stance without appearing to oppose women’s representation. They will have to focus on the “disadvantage” of the delimitation process.In the end, the bigger picture is not about the fact that the bill failed. It is about why it was moved despite that certainty.By doing so, the BJP government seems to have shifted the centre of gravity from inside Parliament to outside it, where votes are ultimately won or lost.Now, whether it eventually helps the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls or not will be interesting to watch.About the AuthorPallaviNews desk journalist, digital, at The Times of India, with a focus on Indian politics. Over a decade of chasing stories, taming headlines and arguing with commas like they’re part of the opposition. Tracks elections, policy pivots, party drama and the fine print of power, where every word can tilt the narrative. Believes good journalism is clarity under pressure, ideally filed before the next breaking alert crashes in. Powered by deadlines, context, sharp edits and a steady supply of strong tea.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Black Day For Centre’: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Blasts Delimitation ‘Conspiracy’ By Modi GovtIndia Reviews Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Extradition Request As Dhaka Pushes For TrialAllahabad High Court Directs FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, Revives Dual Citizenship Controversy‘I Saved Millions Of Lives’: ‘Peacemaker’ Donald Trump’s Big India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim ReturnsTrump Reverses Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Decision In 48 Hours, India Gets Fresh Buying WindowUkraine Envoy Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar, Ajit Doval In Delhi To Discuss Peace RoadmapModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha RowNo Nari Shakti! Women’s Bill Fails Lok Sabha Test, Protest Erupt | ‘Women Won’t Forgive’Trump’s Expected Pakistan Visit May Include Kashmir Talks, Report Fuels Speculation123PhotostoriesThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potentialIndian dishes astronauts took to space and why they chose themGetting married after 30? Have THESE 5 conversations first or regret it laterLucknow-Kanpur expressway set to open: Rs 275 toll for one-way, Rs 415 for return within 24 hoursFrom rejecting the role of Jethalal in TMKOC to building a net worth of Rs 40 crore: Lesser-known facts about Ali AsgarNayanthara and Vignesh Shivan on Parenting: 6 Ways to raise kinder, more patient kids8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin C DeficiencyWhy traditional Indian homes were naturally cooler and what modern designs can learn from them7 traditional Indian summer drinks people drank before refrigerators123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayAnti-Islam influencerNetanyahuSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event BITSAT 2026 absentee slot hall ticket released for Slot 1: Direct link to download admit card here Eminem’s eldest daughter, Alaina Scott, welcomes her first baby and shares the story behind the name Scottie Marie Top 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potential Things you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth date Another Indian oil tanker crosses Hormuz as Iran shuts Strait for US | India News Yes Bank Q4FY27 net profit jumps 44% to Rs 1068 cr on better margins and recoveries