Agencies | New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at 8:30 pm on Saturday, delivering a strong and emotionally charged response to the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. The bill, which sought to expand seats and enable women’s reservation in legislatures, fell short of the required two-thirds majority.
Calling the outcome a “betrayal of Nari Shakti,” the Prime Minister said that despite the government’s “sincere and clean intentions,” it could not secure the necessary support in Parliament. In a rare gesture, he also issued an apology, while asserting that the government continues to have the full backing of the country’s women.
Framing the issue as a larger political and moral battle, the Prime Minister criticised Opposition parties, including Congress, DMK, TMC, and Samajwadi Party, accusing them of celebrating the bill’s defeat and prioritising political interests over women’s empowerment. He alleged that such parties were protecting entrenched political structures and were apprehensive about increased participation of women in governance.
Responding to concerns raised by Opposition leaders regarding regional representation, particularly from southern states, the Prime Minister rejected the claims and described them as diversionary tactics. He maintained that the proposed legislation aimed at equitable development and modernisation of India’s electoral framework.
Although no immediate legislative roadmap was announced, the Prime Minister’s address indicated a shift towards taking the issue directly to the public. He signalled that the government would continue to pursue the agenda politically, especially in upcoming state elections and the run-up to the 2029 general elections.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, stating that the mission remains unchanged and will continue with greater resolve despite the parliamentary setback.
