Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday apologised to the women of the country after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on women’s reservation failed to pass in the Lok Sabha, blaming the Opposition for “derailing” what he described as a “noble effort”.
Addressing the nation, PM Modi said the government’s attempt to amend the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam could not succeed despite its efforts. “Today I’m here to discuss an important issue, especially for the women of this country. Every citizen of this country is witnessing how women’s progress has stalled… Despite our best efforts, we haven’t succeeded. Amendments could not be made in the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam. And I apologise to all the mothers and sisters of the nation for this,” he said.
PM blames Opposition of 'stalling key reform'
The Prime Minister accused Opposition parties of stalling a key reform aimed at empowering women, alleging that political interests were placed above national priorities. Modi accused Opposition parties of prioritising political interests over national interest, saying their actions had come at the cost of women’s empowerment.
“For us, the nation’s interest is paramount. But when for some people party interest becomes everything… women’s power, the nation’s interest… has to bear the consequences,” he said. He alleged that parties such as the Congress, DMK, Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress opposed the Bill and celebrated its defeat in Parliament.
‘Foeticide of honest endeavour’, says PM
Sharpening his attack, the Prime Minister said the Opposition had committed the “foeticide of this honest endeavour”. “Before the eyes of the entire nation, the Congress and its allies have committed the ‘foeticide’ of this honest endeavour… They have committed an offence against the Constitution and against the womanhood of this country,” he said.
Bill falls short of two-thirds majority
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies along with an increase in Lok Sabha seats, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority. In the division, 298 members voted in favour and 230 against. Following the defeat, the government said it would not pursue two other linked legislations.
Opposition cites delimitation clause to justify stand
Opposition parties maintained that they support women’s reservation but opposed the linkage with delimitation and expansion of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 based on the 2011 Census. They argued that the reservation could be implemented within the existing framework, rejecting the government’s approach.
The sharp exchange has deepened the political divide, with both sides positioning the Bill’s defeat as a defining moment in the debate over women’s representation.
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