New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) In a heartfelt address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his sincere apologies to the women of India following the Lok Sabha's rejection of the Constitutional Amendment Bill aimed at implementing women’s reservation in Parliament and state assemblies. The proposed changes to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam failed to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority, marking a significant setback for this long-awaited empowerment initiative.

During his address, the Prime Minister referred to the situation as a painful moment and reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to eliminating all barriers to enhanced representation of women in legislative bodies. He pledged that his administration would persist in its endeavors to secure women's rightful place in the nation's decision-making processes.

Senior leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) across various states condemned the Opposition for thwarting the Bill. Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta stated to IANS that the Opposition has been fully exposed, having deprived women of their rights. He expressed confidence that the people of India would hold them accountable in due course. Gupta emphasized that while PM Modi feels let down, he will not forsake this critical cause, and the women of India will respond to those who opposed the initiative.

Shobha Gupta, a BJP leader and wife of Vijender Gupta, likened the Prime Minister’s sentiments to that of a father who is frustrated and outraged at the denial of his daughters' rights but remains resolute in protecting their dignity. She reiterated PM Modi's unwavering dedication to the cause of women’s empowerment.

In Bihar, former Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha expressed deep disappointment, asserting that the Bill would have brought honor to the nation and elevated the status of Nari Shakti. He accused the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Samajwadi Party, and Communists of misleading the populace and committing an injustice against women by fostering an environment that undermines the rights of mothers and daughters. He cautioned that women would not forget this mindset and would respond appropriately at the right time.

BJP Bihar State President Sanjay Saraogi praised the Prime Minister's remarks, noting that PM Modi has once again emphasized his resolve to enhance women’s representation in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies while overcoming all obstacles.

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla underscored the Prime Minister's determination, asserting that no force can hinder a mission that benefits society and the nation. He pointed out that the government even offered to boost the reservation from 33 percent to 50 percent if the Opposition was amenable, yet they remained unresponsive.

Minister Prahlad Singh Patel criticized the Congress for its self-serving and family-focused politics, contrasting it with the BJP's principle that prioritizes the nation above all else.

From Hyderabad, BJP State President Ramchandra Rao noted the Prime Minister's profound sorrow, lamenting how the Congress and the INDIA alliance obstructed the Bill and trampled on the rights of half the country's population while celebrating the setback.

Leaders throughout the BJP ecosystem highlighted that no prior government has initiated as many programs for women as the current PM Modi administration, referencing schemes like Ujjwala, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and the original Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. They contended that the Opposition, in their attempts to target the Prime Minister, has ultimately deprived women of their rightful entitlements.

This development has heightened political discussions surrounding women’s empowerment in anticipation of upcoming electoral contests.