The BJP and the Left on Monday slammed the Union government for "developing cold feet" on the Women's Reservation Bill, with the Rajya Sabha being repeatedly disrupted after the Bill was introduced in the Upper House on Monday. At an all-party meeting convened by the Prime Minister, representatives of the BJP and the Left wondered "why the government had developed cold feet over the Bill" and why "the ruling alliance had failed to talk to the supporters as also those opposing the Bill" before introducing the legislation.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley wondered why the government managers were found to be wanting in ensuring smooth conduct of the House "when 200 out of 242 members in the Upper House were supporting the Bill". Seconding Jaitley, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj said their party had expressed willingness to stay on till midnight, if needed, to ensure that the Bill was passed on "Monday itself". Both slammed the government for "lacking will power", after withdrawal of outside support by the SP and RJD, which made the government majority "shaky".

The BJP view was echoed by the Left. "It is the failure of the government when it had a huge support of over 200 MPs. It had no floor management strategy. It did not bother to speak to any of the parties supporting the Bill and the worst was that in spite of knowing what kind of scenes were going to happen, they did not protect the Chair," CPM Politburo member Brinda Karat said.

They added that a discussion should have preceded the voting on the Bill. Jaitley said passing such an important legislation without discussion was not possible as it was a "question of the legitimacy of the Bill and Parliament and this would be akin to making a mockery of Parliament". "It is a Constitutional Amendment Bill. The nation should know why we are supporting it and why those who are against it are opposing it. There has to be a discussion. The passage or rejection of the Bill has far-reaching implications," said CPI national secretary D Raja.

The BJP has issued a whip to its Rajya Sabha members for Tuesday when the Bill will be taken up for discussion again. "I go back this evening with a distinct impression that the intention of the government is suspect," added Jaitley.