Kolkata, April 19 (NationPress) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her strong disapproval of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent address to the nation, accusing him of misleading the populace regarding the delimitation bill.

In a statement shared on her X account, CM Banerjee emphasized that her party, the Trinamool Congress, has consistently advocated for increased representation of women in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

"It is profoundly regrettable that the Prime Minister opted to deceive the nation instead of engaging in a candid discussion. I want to make this clear: The Trinamool Congress has always championed greater political representation for women. Our party boasts the highest percentage of female elected officials in both Parliament and the State Legislature. In the Lok Sabha, women represent 37.9% of our elected members, while in the Rajya Sabha, our nominations include 46% female members. There has never been a question of opposing Women's Reservation, and it never will be," she stated.

Her remarks came a day after the Central government was unable to pass the Constitution (131st Amendment) Act and the Delimitation Bill, which aimed to ensure 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. In his address, PM Modi launched a fierce critique of the Opposition, accusing it of undermining the cause of women’s representation through its resistance to the initiatives.

Further explaining her party's stance against the proposed amendment, CM Banerjee articulated, "Our primary opposition lies in the delimitation process that the Modi Government is attempting to implement by using women as a facade for its self-serving political motives. We oppose any alteration of Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution, the fragmentation of this nation, and the manipulation of power through gerrymandering, which aims to favor BJP-governed states at the expense of others."

She condemned this as an attack on "federal democracy," asserting that her party will not remain passive in the face of such actions.

"If this government truly cared about this noble aim, why did it take nearly three years after the Women’s Reservation Bill passed on September 28, 2023? Why the urgency now, with several states facing elections? And why link it with Delimitation? The Trinamool Congress has supported women for decades and will continue to do so. However, we will not accept lectures from a ruling party that neither comprehends nor respects this issue," she concluded.

Moreover, the West Bengal Chief Minister urged PM Modi to address the nation from the Parliament floor.

"Mr. Prime Minister, next time you speak to the nation, have the fortitude to do so from the Floor of Parliament, where you are vulnerable to scrutiny, challenge, and accountability. Your actions yesterday were cowardly, hypocritical, and duplicitous. You sense your power waning, and you are willing to go to any lengths to cling on a little longer. That’s what this was all about," she added.