Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly criticised Opposition parties over the stalled progress of the Women’s Reservation Bill, accusing them of blocking a historic opportunity to empower women in India. Addressing the nation on Saturday evening, the Prime Minister said that certain political parties had acted against the interests of women and deprived them of their rightful representation in Parliament.
According to PM Modi, parties including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and Samajwadi Party were responsible for obstructing the legislative amendment related to women’s quota along with two other bills in the Lok Sabha. He said their actions reflected “selfish politics” and a lack of concern for women’s empowerment.
“The selfish politics of the Opposition including Congress, Trinamool and Samajwadi Party have robbed women of their rights,” PM Modi said in his address. He further claimed that some Opposition leaders even celebrated the defeat of the bill in Parliament, which he described as deeply unfortunate and insulting to women’s dignity.
The Prime Minister said that the moment of the bill’s setback was not just a political event but an emotional issue for millions of women across the country. He argued that women would remember those who opposed or celebrated the failure of the legislation, suggesting that such actions would have political consequences in the future.
“A woman may forget anything, but will never forget injustice done to her,” PM Modi said, adding that women would hold Opposition leaders accountable in their local communities.
The Women’s Reservation Bill has been a long-standing demand aimed at ensuring greater representation of women in legislative bodies. While the government has repeatedly expressed commitment to the measure, disagreements in Parliament have slowed its progress.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tension between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Opposition parties. The issue has once again brought gender representation in politics into the national spotlight.
The debate over women’s reservation continues to be one of the most significant policy discussions in India, with supporters calling it a necessary step toward equality, and critics raising concerns over implementation and political consensus.
As discussions continue, the bill remains a key point of political contention between the government and Opposition.
