BJP MPs Detained Protesting Rahul Gandhi's Residence Over Women's Reservation Bill
BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj and Raksha Khadse were among those detained by Delhi Police during a protest march to Rahul Gandhi's residence. The protest, which involved burning effigies and using water cannons by police, occurred after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill for women's reservation failed to pass in the Lok Sabha. The BJP accused the opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, of betraying women, while the opposition stated their objection was to the delimitation aspect linked to the bill, not women's reservation itself.
Key Highlights
- BJP MPs detained during protest at Rahul Gandhi's residence.
- Protest followed the failure of the Women's Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha.
- BJP accused opposition of betraying women's rights.
- Opposition cited concerns over delimitation linked to the bill.
- Delhi Police used water cannons to disperse protesters.
On April 18, 2026, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament (MPs), including Bansuri Swaraj and Union Minister Raksha Khadse, were detained by Delhi Police during a protest march towards the residence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The protest was a direct response to the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, also known as the Women's Reservation Bill, to pass in the Lok Sabha the previous day. The bill, which aimed to reserve 33% of seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies, and increase the Lok Sabha's strength, did not secure the required two-thirds majority, with 298 MPs voting in favour and 230 against..
The BJP leadership vehemently accused the opposition, particularly Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc, of betraying the women of India and obstructing a crucial piece of legislation for women's empowerment. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj stated that the opposition had "backstabbed women" and suggested their aim was to limit women's roles to polling booths.. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also directed his ministers to highlight the opposition's "anti-women" stance.. Union Minister Raksha Khadse also participated in the protest..
Several other BJP MPs, including Hema Malini, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Manju Sharma, and Vatsalya Gupta, also joined the protest. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and other party cadres were also present.. During the demonstration, protesters held black flags and placards, some burning effigies of Rahul Gandhi, and raised slogans like "Phool nahi chingari hai, hum Bharat ki naari hai; Mahilaon ka ye apman nahi sahega Hindustan (We are not flowers, we are sparks; we are the women of India; India will not tolerate this insult to women).". The Delhi Police deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd as the protest escalated.. Rahul Gandhi was not at his residence during the protest as he was attending a poll rally in Tamil Nadu..
The opposition, however, clarified its stance, arguing that their objection was not to women's reservation itself, but to the delimitation process linked to the bill. They expressed concerns that the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats, from 543 to 815 or 816, and the delimitation exercise tied to it, would weaken the representation of southern states in Parliament.. Rahul Gandhi himself stated that the bill was an "attack on the Constitution" and an attempt to change the country's electoral map, and not a genuine women's empowerment bill.. The Congress proposed implementing the 33% reservation within the existing Lok Sabha strength of 543 seats, as provided by the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam)..
The failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha marked a significant political event, leading to a strong exchange of accusations between the ruling BJP and the opposition parties. The protest by BJP MPs at Rahul Gandhi's residence underscored the deep political divisions over the bill and its linkage with delimitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj and Raksha Khadse detained?
They were detained by Delhi Police during a protest march to Rahul Gandhi's residence following the failure of the Women's Reservation Bill to pass in the Lok Sabha. The BJP was protesting the opposition's role in the bill's defeat.
What was the reason for the protest march?
The protest was organized by the BJP to express their anger and accusation against the opposition, particularly Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc, for allegedly betraying women by not supporting the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which aimed to provide reservation for women in legislatures.
What was the opposition's stance on the Women's Reservation Bill?
The opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, stated that they did not oppose women's reservation in principle. However, they objected to the delimitation process linked to the bill, fearing it would weaken the representation of southern states. They advocated for implementing the reservation within the existing number of seats.
What action did the Delhi Police take during the protest?
Delhi Police detained several BJP MPs, including Bansuri Swaraj and Raksha Khadse. They also used water cannons to disperse the protesting crowd near Rahul Gandhi's residence.