Modi Criticizes Opposition Over Women’s Reservation Bill Defeat
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi fiercely criticized the opposition on Saturday for blocking amendments to the women’s reservation law. He accused them of undermining the government’s honest efforts to secure a 33% quota for women in legislative bodies by 2029 and expanding Lok Sabha seats for every state by 50%.
In a heartfelt address to the nation, he stated, “Women will never forgive you for this sin,” emphasizing that women are destined to claim their rightful place in Parliament and state assemblies. Modi pledged to work tirelessly to overcome any obstacles standing in the way of women’s reservation.
The Prime Minister began his 30-minute speech by expressing regret for his government’s inability to pass the bill despite numerous attempts. He conveyed his apologies to women, stating, “I apologize to my mothers and sisters,” asserting that those who blocked the bill hindered women’s progress and aspirations.
Shifting focus, he criticized specific opposition parties—Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and DMK—accusing them of spreading misinformation about the amendments. He claimed these parties had revealed their true colors to the public.
It’s uncommon for Modi to directly target political rivals during national speeches, which are usually reserved for discussing significant policies and governance issues. This time, however, it seemed he was prepared to confront the opposition after their united front dismissed his repeated appeals regarding the bill.
Modi clarified that the proposed bill aimed to provide equal representation for all states, debunking claims that it would negatively impact southern states. He pointed out that the women’s reservation amendment was crucial for increasing political representation across the country, regardless of the region.
He claimed that family-run parties feared the empowerment of women would threaten their traditional power structures, adding, “Members of these parties celebrated after denying women their rights. This was not just about politics, but a blow to women’s dignity.”
He expressed his belief that while the government might lack the necessary votes to pass the bill, the support of women was immense. “We may not have 66% of the votes, but I know we have 100% of women’s blessings,” he asserted.
Continuing his critique, he highlighted the tendency of opposition parties to take women’s rights for granted and labeled their actions as detrimental. Modi branded Congress and its allies as historically opposed to women’s quotas and described them as “anti-reform.”
He warned that these parties were not just failing to support women but were also betraying their constituents, missing out on a chance to amplify voices from their regions. Describing their approach as an outdated divide-and-rule tactic inherited from British rule, he argued that it obstructed progress for the nation as a whole.
Despite feeling disheartened by the setback regarding the women’s reservation law, Modi ended his speech on a strong note, vowing that the push for greater representation for women in legislatures would continue. “We will not be deterred from our commitment,” he said, asserting that their determination was unwavering.
With these poignant remarks, PM Modi’s message underscored the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in India and the challenges posed by political opposition.
