PM Modi Criticizes Opposition for Selfish Politics Following Women's Reservation Bill Failure
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) Following the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill concerning women's reservation in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the public on Saturday, condemning Congress, DMK, Trinamool Congress, and the Samajwadi Party for what he referred to as self-serving politics.
Expressing his disappointment, the Prime Minister stated that it saddened him to witness the Bill's rejection and accused the opposition of celebrating its downfall while obstructing progress aimed at enhancing women’s representation.
He asserted that these political groups placed their party interests above national and women's rights.
“Women will remember how these parties opposed the Bill and will respond accordingly when they encounter their leaders in their local areas,” the Prime Minister remarked.
He further noted, “Women have realized that these parties have taken them for granted,” cautioning the Opposition about potential political repercussions for their actions regarding the Bill.
Modi emphasized that the rejection of the Bill contradicted the intentions of the Constitution's framers and stated that the initiative was designed not to diminish anyone's rights but to enhance representation for women.
“This Bill aimed to secure women's rights before the 2029 elections, a promise that has been overdue for four decades,” he explained.
The Prime Minister also criticized Congress for its historical opposition to women's reservation, alleging that attempts to implement such measures have been consistently thwarted.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to allocate 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament, failed to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority, receiving 298 votes in favor and 230 against, thus falling short of the 352 votes required for passage.
Previously, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the defeat of the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha should not be interpreted as a setback for the Centre or the BJP, but rather as a significant loss for the nation caused by Congress and other opposition factions.