New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address regarding the unsuccessful passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha, Kiran Bedi, a former IPS officer and the ex-Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, expressed on Saturday that the Prime Minister’s words have ignited a renewed sense of hope.

On the social media platform X, Kiran Bedi stated, “The PM’s words have sparked optimism. It is possible that women will assert their rightful positions in State Assemblies and Parliament well ahead of 2029. Time will reveal the outcome—but the momentum is clear. #WomenReservationbill”

Earlier in the evening, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his profound regret and apologized to the women of India after the Lok Sabha rejected the Constitutional Amendment Bill that aimed to facilitate women’s reservation in Parliament and state assemblies.

He noted that the Bill, intended to amend the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, did not achieve the necessary two-thirds majority, marking a setback for this long-awaited empowerment initiative.

Describing the situation as a painful moment, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to eliminating all barriers to increased representation of women within legislative frameworks.

PM Modi assured that his administration would persist in its endeavors to guarantee women receive their rightful share in the nation’s decision-making processes.

He also directed criticism towards the Congress and its allies, accusing them of a historical reluctance towards women's reservation and claiming that the Opposition relied on misinformation and diversionary tactics, which he argued revealed their “true colors” to the women of India.

“The Bill was not about taking credit. I even stated in Parliament that I would acknowledge the Opposition’s contributions,” the Prime Minister remarked.

He added: “While we did not secure 66 percent of votes, we have the blessings of 100 percent of women. Although we may not have had the numbers yesterday, our fight will continue.”

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aimed to provide 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament, fell short of the required constitutional two-thirds majority.

Just a day prior, when the Lok Sabha was set to discuss the Bill, Kiran Bedi commented on X, “If Parliament fails to pass the #WomensQuotaBill, women voters may decisively support those who pledge to ensure one-third representation in the 2029 Parliament and State Assemblies.”

She further emphasized, “It’s clear now - women represent a decisive electoral force. Mere symbolic gestures won’t suffice. They demand a genuine seat at the table and a direct role in shaping India’s future.”