“Women Will Not Forgive Those Who Block Reservation,” Says Prime Minister Modi “We Are Committed to Securing Women Their Rights,” PM Affirms
In a strongly worded address centred on women’s political representation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that parties which allegedly obstructed the passage of the Women’s Reservation legislation in Parliament would have to answer to the women of the country.
Emphasising that empowering women remains a core commitment of his government, the Prime Minister asserted that the effort to secure political rights for the country’s “half population” would continue despite the legislative setback.
Speaking on Saturday, the Prime Minister said his government had attempted to ensure 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha through the proposed Nari Vandan Amendment Bill, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening women’s participation in governance.
However, he expressed regret that the legislation could not be passed, attributing the outcome to opposition resistance.
He said he felt compelled to apologise to the women of the country for the delay in granting them what he described as their long-pending political right.
According to the Prime Minister, the proposed law aimed to provide women with a stronger voice in policymaking and governance across the country.
He said the initiative was intended to ensure that women are not merely participants in democracy but equal partners in shaping the nation’s future.
Criticising opposition parties, the Prime Minister alleged that political considerations had prevented consensus on the bill.
He claimed that repeated attempts to expand women’s representation have historically faced obstacles, and added that the latest effort also encountered resistance from parties that, according to him, were unwilling to support structural reforms that could alter political equations.
Referring to the broader objective of women’s empowerment, the Prime Minister said the legislation was envisioned as part of a larger commitment to provide equal opportunity and representation to women in public life.
He maintained that increasing women’s participation in legislative bodies would strengthen democratic institutions and improve the inclusiveness of governance.
The Prime Minister further remarked that ensuring adequate representation for women was not merely a political promise but a social responsibility, and reiterated that his government would continue working to create pathways for greater participation of women in decision-making processes.
The debate around women’s reservation has remained one of the most significant and long-standing issues in Indian politics, with successive governments expressing support for greater representation but facing political and procedural hurdles in implementing the measure.
The Prime Minister’s remarks have once again brought the issue into focus, underscoring the continuing political contest over how and when enhanced representation for women in Parliament will become a reality.
