PM Modi to Address Nation After Women’s Reservation Bill Setback, Blames Opposition’s “Selfish Politics”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation at 8:30 pm, following the failure of passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament.

“Opposition snatched women's rights, then congratulated itself," Prime Minister Modi said during his address to the nation.

The proposed legislation aimed to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. It also included provisions to increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 after a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census, ensuring space to implement the quota ahead of the 2029 general elections.

Despite being a key legislative push, the bill fell short of the required two-thirds majority. During voting in the Lok Sabha, 298 members supported the bill while 230 opposed it, falling well below the 352 votes needed out of 528 votes cast.

In the aftermath, Prime Minister Modi expressed regret over the outcome and sharply criticised opposition parties. He said, "selfish politics" of Congress, DMK, TMC, and SP had hurt women. Calling the bill "a pure and honest attempt" and "the bill of the hour," the Prime Minister alleged that opposition parties blocked a crucial reform meant to enhance women’s representation.

In a strong remark, he said, "These people are taking Naari Shakti for granted," while asserting that women across India understand the truth behind the bill’s failure.

Escalating his attack, PM Modi claimed that Congress and its allies had been "unmasked" and accused them of functioning like a "parasite" dependent on regional partners. He further said, "Parties like Congress, DMK, TMC and Samajwadi Party have committed foeticide by defeating bill on women reservation."

‘Selfish Politics’

The Prime Minister also questioned the intent of regional and family-led parties, stating, "Family-run parties do not want women to move forward as women could end their selfish politics."

Targeting Congress, PM said, “The Congress opposed digital India as well as the GST reforms,” adding, “Whenever they hear the word ‘reform,’ they immediately rush to oppose it.” He further alleged, “Congress is an anti-reform party… spreading misinformation and confusion.”

While acknowledging the numbers did not favour the government this time, he emphasised public support, saying, "I also share in your pain and disappointment.We couldn't get 66% votes to pass bill this time but we have 100% blessings of Naari Shakti."

Reaffirming the government’s intent, he added, “We will continue to remove all obstacles that come in the way of women’s reservation.”

Earlier in the day, he reportedly told his Cabinet that the opposition had made a political mistake by blocking the bill and would "face consequences," adding, "They have let down the women of the country."