New Delhi: In a major victory for the opposition, Trinamool Congress's Lok Sabha floor leader Abhishek Banerjee played a crucial role in defeating the Constitutional amendment fast-tracking women's reservation, with 21 out of 28 party lawmakers attending the House.
The amendment was defeated 298-230, despite Home Minister Amit Shah's promise to increase seats across states by a uniform 50%, ensuring proportionate representation in the Lok Sabha.
Analysts and opposition politicians were concerned that ongoing election campaigns in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu would affect attendance during the critical session, but the TMC's efforts paid off.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi thanked Banerjee for his role in defeating the bill, saying that if all MPs had been present, the number would have crossed 250.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also came to the party, with a large number of lawmakers from his party attending the session.
The government's miscalculation on TMC and SP was evident, as the opposition alliance showcased its ability to come together despite bitter electoral fights and campaigns.
