THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, APRIL 18, 2026

In an emotionally charged address to the nation on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep regret over the failure to secure the required support for the Women’s Reservation Bill amendment in the Lok Sabha, calling it a moment of “profound disappointment” for the country’s women.

 “I have come to speak especially to the mothers, sisters and daughters of the nation. Today, every citizen has seen how the flight of India’s women power has been halted and their dreams ruthlessly crushed. Despite our best efforts, we could not succeed in passing the amendment. For this, I seek forgiveness from every woman,” the Prime Minister said.

The proposed amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhinyam aimed to ensure greater representation of women in Parliament and state assemblies starting from the 2029 general elections. The Bill, however, failed to garner the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

Launching a sharp attack on opposition parties, the Prime Minister alleged that political interests had been placed above national interest. He named parties such as the Congress, DMK, TMC, and Samajwadi Party, accusing them of indulging in “self-serving politics” that came at the cost of women’s empowerment.

 “Yesterday, crores of women were watching Parliament. It was deeply painful to see some parties celebrating and applauding when a proposal meant for women’s welfare was defeated. That applause was not just on tables — it was a blow to the dignity and self-respect of women,” he said.

The Prime Minister warned that women across the country would remember the conduct of those who opposed the Bill. “The women of 21st century India are aware, alert, and capable of judging intentions. Those who opposed this will face consequences,” he asserted.

Explaining the intent behind the amendment, Modi said it was not meant to take anything away from anyone but to expand opportunities. “This was about granting long-pending rights to women and enabling their participation in shaping India’s future. It was a sincere and honest effort to empower half the population,” he said.

He described the amendment as a “historic opportunity” to strengthen democratic representation across all states — big or small — by increasing seats proportionately while ensuring greater participation of women. Rejecting claims related to delimitation concerns, he clarified that no state’s representation would have been reduced.

 “The government has been clear from day one — no state would lose representation; instead, all states would gain proportionately. Yet, misinformation was spread to mislead the nation,” he added.

The Prime Minister also accused the opposition of historically obstructing women’s reservation efforts. “For decades, attempts to bring women’s reservation have been stalled through excuses and technical hurdles. This pattern of delay, diversion, and obstruction is well understood by the country,” he said.

Highlighting the achievements of women in local governance, Modi said lakhs of women have already proven their leadership capabilities in panchayat and local bodies. “When these women aspire to move to assemblies and Parliament, certain family-driven parties feel threatened. They fear losing control if women rise beyond political dynasties,” he remarked.

He further accused the Congress of consistently opposing major reforms, citing examples such as GST, digital payments, the abrogation of Article 370, and the Uniform Civil Code. “The Congress has a history of opposing every reform necessary for a developed India. Negativity and obstruction have been its political culture,” he said.

The Prime Minister argued that such an approach had historically slowed India’s progress. “At the time of independence, many nations started their journey alongside India, yet they moved ahead faster because reforms were not blocked there,” he said.

Rejecting criticism that the Bill’s failure reflected a government setback, Modi clarified that the issue was never about political credit. “I had said in Parliament that I would gladly give credit to the opposition if women got their rights. But those with regressive thinking remained adamant,” he noted.

Ending on a resolute note, the Prime Minister assured the nation that the fight for women’s reservation would continue. “Today we may not have secured the required numbers, but we have the blessings of 100 per cent of the country’s women. Our resolve is firm, our courage unshaken, and our commitment unwavering. We will remove every obstacle in the path of women’s reservation,” he declared.

He emphasized that the setback was temporary and vowed that future opportunities would be seized to fulfil the aspirations of “half the population” and secure a stronger, more inclusive democracy.