VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html 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! 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Critics argued that the changes would diminish the political influence of southern states in national policy-making.’First defeat faced by Modi in his 12 years’Referring to his act of burning a copy of the delimitation document a day earlier, Stalin told an election rally in Dindigul: “With the responsibility of chief minister of Tamil Nadu, given to me by you (people), the fire ignited by Stalin has ‘scorched’ Delhi’s arrogance. Our struggle (against delimitation) succeeded. Black shirt force has defeated the saffron brigade.”Stalin claimed this was perhaps the first defeat faced by Modi in his twelve years in office and said the “massive defeat” was just the beginning.”This is the first blow to the saffron party. At least from now onwards, don’t provoke Tamil Nadu. You will not be able to bear it (if we retaliate). This is also perhaps the first defeat faced by Modi in his 12 years rule,” Stalin said.He said the bill’s defeat in Parliament was just a “trailer” and that “more victories will follow us,” expressing confidence that the DMK-led alliance would win over 200 seats in the April 23 assembly election.Stalin also called the bill’s defeat “a massive pre-poll defeat for AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami,” urging voters to ensure the “total defeat” of the BJP and its “slave” Palaniswami on April 23.He claimed the BJP had thought Tamil Nadu would be “lethargic” if the delimitation bill was brought during elections. “But Tamil Nadu is always vigilant. It is Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin who is in Tamil Nadu,” he said, adding that the BJP’s defeat will start from the state.Southern fears over delimitationThe proposed legislation had alarmed southern states, including Tamil Nadu, which feared that shifting the basis of population data from the 1971 Census to more recent figures would penalise states that had successfully implemented population control measures. Stalin had consistently argued that such a move would reduce Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament.Thanks to INDIA blocIn a post on X, Stalin thanked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders, emphasising the need for unity among opposition parties.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! 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Chinnaswamy? Govt clears Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool with Rs 12,980 crore guarantee for shipping risks BPCL recruitment 2026 opens for engineering, accounts and QA vacancies; check details here ‘Bhooth Bangla’ box office collection Day 2 [LIVE]: Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav starrer set to cross Rs 30 crore American Express executive found dead in Gurgaon; wife finds body inside flat Pedro Pascal revisits Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, says he was kept in the dark about La Casita until the very end | Sabrina Carpenter: Love and self-respect wisdom from Sabrina Carpenter | Chasing likes, losing lives: How social media reels are fueling fatal risks among youth Abhishek Banerjee NEW DELHI: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the NDA government after the delimitation bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha, saying the Centre is “clearly on borrowed time.”Banerjee, widely seen as second in command in the TMC, said the outcome had exposed the BJP’s “discomfort… for all to see”. In a post on X, he argued that the opposition INDIA bloc rejected the proposal over concerns about fairness, particularly the plan to base delimitation on the 2011 Census while expanding the House to over 800 seats. “The illusion of control is beginning to crumble in plain sight,” he said, in a direct swipe at the Centre. Watch ‘PM Modi Doing Nautanki’: TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee Targets Govt Over Women Quota Bill The bill received 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the 352 needed for passage. Opposition parties had maintained they would support women’s reservation but only if it was delinked from the contentious delimitation exercise.Banerjee also pressed the government to move swiftly on implementing the 33 per cent quota for women, which had already been passed in 2023 and came into force earlier this month. “If the NDA government is serious, it should immediately bring forward the bill to notify one-third of the seats. Do it now,” he said, adding that the TMC had already ensured more than 41 per cent representation for women.The political tensions come amid heightened activity in West Bengal ahead of assembly elections in less than a week. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee led a roadshow in Durgapur, drawing large crowds and chants of support, as the party stepped up its campaign.At the same time, Income Tax Department raids at multiple locations linked to TMC leaders, including MLA Debashis Kumar, have triggered a fresh political row. The party has accused the Centre of using central agencies to “harass and intimidate” it ahead of polling, while officials maintain the searches are part of a broader probe into unaccounted money flows.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! 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Here’s why consumer electronics may cost more again this month NTPC GDMO recruitment 2026: Apply online for medical specialists and other posts; check details at careers.ntpc.co.in ‘Dhurandhar 2’ box office collection day 31 [LIVE]: Can Ranveer Singh film dethrone ‘Pushpa 2’s lifetime domestic collection? As the world’s largest bank JP Morgan tests Anthropic’s AI tool Mythos, CEO Jamie Dimon admits ‘threat’; says: AI has made it worse, it has … NEW DELHI: Prime 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. The proposed legislation, tied to the implementation of women’s reservation through delimitation, required a two-thirds majority but fell short after a lengthy and heated debate.In the voting that followed, 298 members supported the bill, while 230 opposed it, resulting in its defeat. The outcome marked a rare legislative loss for the government on a key reform measure it had been pushing.PM Modi’s last address to the nation was on September 21, when he spoke about GST reforms.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 Speculation123PhotostoriesWhy 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 link5 jewellery pieces to buy on Akshaya Tritiya 2026Do you really need 3 meals a day? Expert says it depends on your body and lifestyle5 hard truths no one tells you about marriageWhich are the 10 most powerful cities in the world?8 desi-American food mashups that sound strange but taste incredibleFrom single motherhood to her separation from late ex-husband Piyush due to his alcohol addiction, Shubhangi Atre opens up about her life and career6 pani puri water recipes to make the ultimate street-style golgappa at home123Hot 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 ‘One piece of meat, two rotis’: Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra cast call out producers for rationing food on film sets IPL 2026: Not CSK or MI, RCB to become first ever IPL team to achieve rare milestone NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Coimbatore to campaign for Bharatiya Janata Party candidates ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, while alleging there is “confusion” between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Indian National Congress in the state.Speaking to reporters in Udhagamandalam in Nilgiris district, Nagendran claimed senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had not actively campaigned or publicly backed Chief Minister MK Stalin despite campaigning gathering pace.”There is confusion between DMK and Congress in Tamil Nadu. Neither Rahul Gandhi nor Sonia Gandhi has come to congratulate the chief minister or campaign so far. I do not know if they have such an understanding,” he said.Nagendran also said Modi would campaign in Coimbatore in support of BJP candidates as the party intensifies preparations for the Assembly polls.The BJP leader alleged that several welfare measures being implemented in Tamil Nadu were funded by the Centre but projected as initiatives of the state government.”The central government provides all the goods in fair price shops. But the state government says that we will provide them. Similarly, they say that houses are being built through the central government, but the state government does the same,” he added.Nagendran defended the women’s reservation initiative and accused the state government of opposing policies introduced by the Centre.”They think that if the 33 per cent reservation bill for women is brought, it will be against democracy and the country will be divided. Since 1996, there has been a stance that women should be given reservations. The state government opposes any plans that the central government brings,” he said.”The provision of 33 per cent reservation for women is a welcome thing. Those who block this will only earn the opposition of women,” he said.Stepping up criticism of the DMK leadership, Nagendran accused the ruling party of promoting dynastic politics and claimed Stalin was positioning Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for future leadership.”Chief Minister Stalin’s plan is to bring Udhayanidhi Stalin as the next Chief Minister. Udhayanidhi Stalin, who said that he will not enter politics in the 2020-2021 period, is currently contesting the elections. Udhayanidhi has now been made the Deputy Chief Minister. Currently, there is a family rule and the entire income in Tamil Nadu is going to a single family. The people of Tamil Nadu are currently watching this,” he said.Nagendran also backed the proposed increase in Tamil Nadu’s Lok Sabha seats from 39 to 59, saying greater representation would help improve public service delivery.”Even after 75 years of independence, there has been no change in Parliament. Now a change is needed, especially in Tamil Nadu,” he said.He added that any defeat of the bill in Parliament would have no connection with the state elections.Responding to a question on actor-politician Joseph Vijay and his comments on electoral competition, Nagendran termed the statement “very unfortunate.”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 Speculation123PhotostoriesWhy 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 link5 jewellery pieces to buy on Akshaya Tritiya 2026Do you really need 3 meals a day? Expert says it depends on your body and lifestyle5 hard truths no one tells you about marriageWhich are the 10 most powerful cities in the world?8 desi-American food mashups that sound strange but taste incredibleFrom single motherhood to her separation from late ex-husband Piyush due to his alcohol addiction, Shubhangi Atre opens up about her life and career6 pani puri water recipes to make the ultimate street-style golgappa at home123Hot 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 WB Madhyamik result date 2026: WBBSE to release Class 10 result on May 8 at wbbse.wb.gov.in ‘Jailer 2’ OTT rights sealed: Rajinikanth starrer sets a new record for a Kollywood film Why traditional Indian homes were naturally cooler and what modern designs can learn from them ‘Ashok Kharat may be killed in encounter’: A Congress leader warning before ‘astrologer’s’ aide, wife die in car crash; son critical Britons opt for UK staycations as rising costs and travel concerns hit overseas trips | World News NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and the AIADMK during a poll rally in Tamil Nadu, alleging that the regional party had been hollowed out from within by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while accusing the Centre of targeting the state’s identity, language and culture.Addressing a rally at Ponneri, Rahul Gandhi said there was little left of the AIADMK as an independent political force and claimed it had effectively been taken over by the BJP.Rahul Gandhi said, “No force on this planet can touch Tamil Nadu or Tamil language.””AIADMK ‘eaten up’ from inside by PM Modi, HM Shah,” Rahul Gandhi said, adding that the present AIADMK was no longer what it once was.”‘New AIADMK just a mask; the mask hiding BJP,'” he alleged.He sharpened the attack further by claiming the BJP had dismantled the party’s original identity.”At poll rally in TN, Rahul Gandhi alleges BJP ‘destroyed’ AIADMK; ‘there is nothing known as AIADMK now’.”Rahul Gandhi also used the rally to strongly defend Tamil language and culture, saying the state held a special place in his life and political journey.”Tamil not ordinary language, it is thousands of years of your experience, memories,” he said.He said he had built a close relationship with Tamil Nadu over the years.”Naturally over years, I have developed relationship with TN,” Rahul Gandhi said while addressing the gathering.Drawing a comparison with another region he has often spoken about emotionally, he added: “When in Jammu and Kashmir, I feel I have come home; likewise I feel attached to TN.”Rahul Gandhi said attacks by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and BJP on Tamil Nadu made him feel personally connected to the state’s struggle.”When I see RSS, BJP trying to attack TN, Tamil language, culture, I feel as if I am Tamil,” he said.The Congress leader also accused the BJP-led Centre of using legislation to advance hidden political agendas, citing the recent controversy around delimitation.”‘We defeated in Parliament, Bill in which delimitation was hidden; we defeated it to defend idea of India,” says Rahul Gandhi at TN rally.He also targeted the government over the women’s reservation issue, alleging that a recently introduced Bill was politically misleading.”BJP-led Centre brought new Bill on Apr 16, said they were trying to pass women’s bill, but it was passed in 2023,” Rahul Gandhi said in Tamil Nadu.Rahul Gandhi contrasted Congress alliances with what he called the BJP’s coercive style of politics, saying his party treats coalition partners with respect.”Cong regards its partners as equals; never tried to crush them using intel agencies,” he said at the rally.He also attacked the BJP’s economic policies, alleging that the party was promoting concentration of wealth and corporate dominance.”TN: Slamming BJP, Rahul Gandhi alleges, ‘they want an India where 2 or 3 companies control everything.'”The remarks come as political parties intensify campaigning ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where the Congress is aligned with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in its bid to challenge the BJP and its allies in the state.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 Speculation123PhotostoriesWhy 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 link5 jewellery pieces to buy on Akshaya Tritiya 2026Do you really need 3 meals a day? Expert says it depends on your body and lifestyleWhich are the 10 most powerful cities in the world?8 desi-American food mashups that sound strange but taste incredibleFrom single motherhood to her separation from late ex-husband Piyush due to his alcohol addiction, Shubhangi Atre opens up about her life and career6 pani puri water recipes to make the ultimate street-style golgappa at homeHow to make beer at home using yeast: An easy step-by-step guide123Hot 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 HSSC constable recruitment 2026: Haryana Police admit card and shortlisted candidates list released for constable recruitment Yash on humanising Ravana in ‘Ramayana’: ‘It’s important for people to relate to him’ The imperishable day: Akshaya Tritiya 2026, the cosmic clockwork behind India’s most self-sufficient festival TCS Nashik case: No complaints through POSH channels, absconding female employee, 4-member panel; what we know so far NEW DELHI: Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday said that the defeat of the women reservation bill in the Lok Sabha should not be seen as failure of the government and accused Congress of causing a big setback to the country.While addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the Budget session, Rijiju said that the opposition will have to bear the brunt of being anti-women.”The Budget Session was extended for three days April 16, 17, 18 during which Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and Delimitation Bill were introduced. We have the majority, but we didn’t get the 2/3rd majority needed for Constitution Amendment,” Rijiju said.”Congress will have to face the anger of women; celebrating women’s defeat is proof of their anti-women mindset,” he added.This comes after the bill proposing women’s reservation through a delimitation exercise could not secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, with 298 members voting in favour and 230 opposing it.Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that the Constitution Amendment Bill had not been passed. Following the outcome, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government would not proceed with the remaining two interlinked bills.The BJP has accused opposition parties of blocking a historic reform aimed at ensuring 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that parties like Congress, TMC, and others prevented the passage of the bill and warned of political consequences.However, the opposition has maintained that it supports women’s reservation in principle but opposes linking it with delimitation and census processes. Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, described the bill as an attempt to alter India’s electoral structure, while several Congress leaders termed the vote a defence of democratic values.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 Speculation123PhotostoriesDo you really need 3 meals a day? Expert says it depends on your body and lifestyle5 hard truths no one tells you about marriageWhich are the 10 most powerful cities in the world?8 desi-American food mashups that sound strange but taste incredibleFrom single motherhood to her separation from late ex-husband Piyush due to his alcohol addiction, Shubhangi Atre opens up about her life and career6 pani puri water recipes to make the ultimate street-style golgappa at homeHow to make beer at home using yeast: An easy step-by-step guide5 relationship lessons to learn from ‘the perfect couple’ Anushka Sharma and Virat KohliMithali Raj’s Hyderabad home: A harmonious mix of style, serenity and success7 foods that become more delicious when fermented123Hot 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: ‘Mission is to lift trophy’: Shreyas Iyer’s bold statement as PBKS eye maiden title Saturday Bank operations: Are banks open on April 18, 2026? 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