In a pointed address delivered on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused opposition parties of prioritizing their own political ambitions over women’s empowerment by opposing the Women’s Reservation Bill. His remarks came just a day after the Union government’s proposal to amend the 2023 Women’s Reservation Act and redraw electoral constituency boundaries was voted down in the Lok Sabha.
Modi expressed disappointment, stating that the opposition parties, including prominent players like the Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and Trinamool Congress (TMC), had misrepresented their stance on the bill. While they claimed to support women’s reservation, he alleged that they were fundamentally opposed to the necessary delimitation process that would facilitate its implementation.
“I had hoped that the Congress would seize the opportunity to amend its historical oversight regarding women’s reservation when they held power,” Modi lamented. He criticized the party for missing the chance to contribute positively to women’s rights, stating, “Instead, they chose to remain part of the problem rather than the solution. This was a lost opportunity to make history and aid women in the country.”
Further emphasizing his point, Modi claimed that the actions of the opposition reflected a lack of respect for the Constitution’s framers who envisioned equality and representation for women. He remarked that those who voted against the legislation were underestimating the awareness and sentiments of women in contemporary India. “Women of the 21st century are vigilant and cognizant of the political landscape. They are fully aware of the opposition’s intentions and will hold them accountable for their actions,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister warned that the repercussions of their decisions could be significant, suggesting that the opposition would face consequences for their perceived betrayal of women’s empowerment. He urged all stakeholders to recognize the importance of supporting legislation that aims to uplift women and ensure their rightful place in the political arena.
