New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the opposition INDIA bloc after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill reportedly faced a setback in Parliament, accusing the alliance of blocking reforms and acting against the interests of women and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Speaking to reporters and later in a social media statement, Goyal said the opposition’s conduct during the parliamentary proceedings reflected a “negative and obstructive approach” that was harming democratic functioning. He alleged that the INDIA bloc partners deliberately disrupted discussions on the bill, which, according to him, was aimed at strengthening constitutional provisions and expanding social justice measures.
Goyal further claimed that the opposition alliance had shown “no commitment” towards welfare policies for women and backward communities. He described their stance as “anti-women and anti-OBC,” arguing that their resistance to the proposed amendment demonstrated a lack of concern for inclusive development.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, details of which have not been fully disclosed in the public domain yet, is believed to have been part of the government’s broader legislative agenda in the ongoing parliamentary session. However, it reportedly faced procedural hurdles and opposition objections, leading to delays in its passage.
Opposition members, on the other hand, have maintained that they were raising legitimate concerns regarding the bill’s provisions and the manner in which it was being introduced. Leaders from the INDIA bloc argued that several constitutional and procedural issues needed deeper scrutiny before approval.
The parliamentary disruption has once again highlighted the continuing political confrontation between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc, particularly on key legislative matters. The session has seen repeated adjournments amid heated debates over various bills and policy proposals.
Political analysts note that such exchanges are likely to intensify as the government pushes for its legislative agenda while the opposition attempts to assert its role in scrutinising proposed laws.
With tensions running high in Parliament, the fate of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill now depends on further negotiations and future scheduling in the House. Meanwhile, the political war of words between the ruling party and the opposition continues to escalate outside Parliament as well.
