Modi Apologises To Women; After Reservation Bill Defeat Slams Opposition

BureauOdishabarta

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday apologised to the country’s women after the Women’s Reservation Bill failed to secure passage in Parliament, while launching a sharp attack on opposition parties for what he termed the “foeticide” of women’s rights.

In a televised address, Modi said he “seek[s] forgiveness from all women of the country” for the government’s inability to pass the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, blaming parties such as the Congress, TMC, DMK and Samajwadi Party for blocking the measure.

The bill, aimed at fast-tracking women’s reservation by increasing Lok Sabha seats, was defeated in the House on Friday after falling short of the require.

The bill, aimed at fast-tracking women’s reservation by increasing Lok Sabha seats, was defeated in the House on Friday after falling short of the required two-thirds majority.

The Prime Minister described the opposition’s reaction as an “attack on the dignity and self-respect of women”, alleging they “celebrated” the setback.

Modi also warned that women voters would remember the conduct of opposition leaders, saying the episode would remain etched in public memory.

Opposition parties had argued that the proposal was linked to a delimitation exercise that could alter representation, particularly affecting southern states. Rejecting this, Modi said the government was open to increasing parliamentary seats proportionately across states and even offering full credit to the opposition for the legislation.

Calling the Congress an “anti-reform party”, he accused it of obstructing key decisions historically. He asserted that the setback did not amount to a political defeat and signalled that the government may revisit the proposal.

Courtesy; agencies