Opposition committed 'foeticide' by defeating Bill: PM Modi shreds Oppn on Women's Quota Bill

 Prime Minister strongly criticised the opposition, specifically naming the Congress, TMC, and DMK, saying they celebrated after the bill failed to pass in the Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at 8:30 PM on Saturday, a day after the Women’s Reservation Bill was defeated in Lok Sabha on Friday, while strongly criticising the Opposition for what he called their “hatred and petty politics.”

In hi address, PM Modi apologised to the nation's "mothers and daughters."

 Prime Minister strongly criticised the opposition, specifically naming the Congress, TMC, and DMK, saying they celebrated after the bill failed to pass in the Lok Sabha.

"I seek forgiveness from all women of the country for failing to get the bill passed. Due to the selfish politics of parties like Congress, DMK, TMC and the Samajwadi Party, the women of the country have suffered," PM Modi said. 

While slamming the opposition parties over the bill, PM Modi said these parties committed “foeticide” against the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ Amendment, a landmark legislation aimed at empowering women in Indian politics. 

Addressing the nation, PM Modi said these parties have even insulted the Constitution. This Bill was not intended to take anything away from anyone; rather, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was designed to give something to everyone. 

He also said the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is aimed at providing new opportunities to women in the 21st century and removing the obstacles in their path. It is intended to grant rights to half of India’s population. The Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment is the need of the hour.

Prime Minister Modi portrayed the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ Amendment as a grand endeavour, likening it to a sacred “Maha Yagna” performed with honesty and clear intent.

He said it was designed not only to offer new opportunities to the women of 21st-century India but also to enable them to soar freely by eliminating barriers in their path.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the amendment would integrate women as true partners in the nation’s developmental journey, fostering greater inclusivity for all sections of society.

However, PM Modi expressed his deep disappointment over the Opposition's response, accusing Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and DMK of “brutally killing” this effort both inside the House and before the nation.

He further alleged that these parties acted against the spirit of the Constitution and the interests of women by obstructing the Bill.

The Prime Minister said the Congress has historically opposed women’s reservation and has repeatedly created obstacles whenever such proposals were introduced in the past.

He added that this time as well, the Congress and its allies used what he described as misleading arguments, diversionary tactics, and statistical concerns to block the legislation.

PM Modi stated that in doing so, these parties have revealed their true stance before the women of India.

PM Modi specifically launched attack on Congress party and called it an 'anti-reform party', while accusing it of  delaying key reforms while in power.

He accused the party of spreading misinformation about essential policy changes and hindering progress during its rule. His remarks come amid an intense political debate following developments in the Lok Sabha over the Women’s Reservation Bill.

He also said he had personally expected the Congress to use this opportunity to correct its decades-old position and make amends for past actions, but noted that the party failed to do so.

Reaffirming his commitment to women’s empowerment, the Prime Minister stressed that meaningful progress in India cannot be achieved without ensuring women their rightful representation in decision-making bodies.