NEW DELHI: Opposition leaders criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday following his speech regarding the women’s reservation bill. In his address, Modi accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and their allies of being complicit in “foeticide” by failing to allow the bill to pass in the Lok Sabha.
TMC MP Derek O’Brien responded sharply, saying, “Narendra, the worst form of insulting women is to have used them as a DECOY to try and pass the Delimitation Bill.”
Fellow TMC MP Mahua Moitra termed the Prime Minister’s speech as “dramebaazi,” asserting that “women’s reservation already passed in 2023 and was notified two days ago.” She tweeted, “Hello @narendramodi – Your dramebaazi & your Godi media script will not hide the truth—women’s reservation already passed in 2023 and notified two days ago. NOTHING stops you from implementing it now and giving 1/3 of 543 seats to women the way TMC has done.”
In his remarks, Modi referred to the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which sought to grant 33% reservation for women and expand parliamentary seats to 816 ahead of the 2029 elections, calling it a significant setback for women across the nation. He expressed regret for the inability to secure its passage despite the government’s efforts.
“Today, I have come to speak to the mothers, sisters, and daughters of the country. Every citizen of India is witnessing how the dreams of India’s women power have been crushed mercilessly. Despite our best efforts, we could not succeed. For this, I sincerely apologize to all mothers and sisters,” Modi stated.
He continued, “For us, national interest comes first. But for some people, when party interest becomes everything, then women’s empowerment and the nation’s interest suffer. That is what has happened this time as well. The selfish politics of parties like Congress, DMK, TMC, and SP has cost the women of this country.”
