'Women's reservation bill not to favour any single party, no state will face injustice': PM Modi in Lok Sabha
Parliament witnessed an important debate on the women's reservation bill, with PM Modi calling it a transformative step for India's future. He advised political parties to support the bill fully, warning that opposing it would lead to electoral consequences.
A key discussion on the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill began in Parliament on Thursday, marking a significant moment in India's legislative history. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the Lok Sabha that no state would face injustice in the delimitation process, addressing concerns that northern states could gain at the expense of southern states. He also clarified that the Women’s Reservation Bill is not intended to benefit any single political party, but to strengthen democratic representation across the country. "I give a guarantee that no injustice will be done to any state - from East to West, North to South. If we all come together, history shows that such decisions do not favour any one political party. They favour Indian democracy and strengthen the nation’s collective decision-making. No one, neither the Treasury Bench nor Modi, deserves credit alone," he added.
He said that the country is "about to take a new direction" with this landmark legislation. He added that the bill should ideally have been passed 25 to 30 years ago and said it was a matter of privilege for his government to present it now. Speaking emotionally about his own background, the Prime Minister said, “I come from a very backward community and it is my responsibility to take every section of society forward. Women now want to move from panchayats to Parliament." He stressed that empowering women through political representation is essential for a stronger and more inclusive India.
In a pointed message to the Opposition, PM Modi said that anyone who opposes the Women's Reservation Bill will face electoral setbacks. "If you oppose this bill, the country will not forgive you. If you support it, you will avoid losses... This is my friendly advice to those who want to politicise the issue," he added. The Prime Minister also urged all political parties to come together and ensure the smooth passage of the bill, emphasising that collective support will benefit everyone.
A defining moment in India's parliamentary history
Calling it a landmark moment, PM Modi said, "There are important moments in the life of a nation and the collective mindset and leadership of that time turn those moments into a national legacy. This is one such moment in India's parliamentary history. Members of Parliament must not let this opportunity slip. Together, we are giving a new direction to the nation and infusing our governance system with greater sensitivity. The outcome of these deliberations will decide the shape of national politics and the direction of the country."
Women must be central to policymaking
The Prime Minister said that India is moving ahead with confidence in the 21st century. "A developed India does not mean only good railways, infrastructure or economic numbers. Our vision of a developed India includes the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' being embedded into policymaking. Women, who constitute 50 per cent of the population, must be part of this process. We have already delayed this, whatever the reason, whoever the responsible party...This must be accepted," he added.
PM Modi further said that women elected from panchayat levels over the past three decades have developed strong political consciousness. "They were earlier quiet observers. Today, they are vocal. Anyone who takes a stand for or against this Bill will be watched closely by these millions of women," he added.
'Women will not forgive those with wrong intentions'
PM Modi said let all women from all communities enter Parliament. "The Samajwadi Party should also support the Bill. Do not weigh the Women’s Reservation Bill on political scales. Women will not forgive those whose intentions are flawed. We cannot afford delays because it will shake women's trust. Nari Shakti never lags behind in raising the nation's flag," he added.
'Decisions must be taken with clean intentions'
PM Modi emphasised that Parliament cannot think or decide in fragments. "More than the decision, look at the intention behind it. There will be no discrimination in delimitation... No changes will be made that hurt the proportional representation of any state... I will not discriminate against any state... I will not do injustice to anyone... My intentions are clear and I will not play with words," he added.
PM Modi also accused the Opposition of creating confusion and hiding behind technical excuses. "We should not think we are doing a favour to women. By passing this long-delayed bill, we are simply correcting a historical wrong... We do not want credit... I am giving a blank cheque of credit to the Opposition... If they want credit, they can take it... If they oppose it, I will benefit politically. The Opposition has blocked this bill for three decades. Women's voices in Parliament will create new thinking. This is India's commitment," he remarked.
Women's Reservation Bill
The Women's Reservation Bill, first introduced in 2023 and unanimously passed, could not be enforced earlier due to delays in the national census. The Centre has now pushed for its immediate implementation based on the 2011 census data. Under the amendment, 33 per cent of Lok Sabha seats will be reserved for women. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Empowerment Act) Amendment Bill also proposes increasing the strength of the Lok Sabha to 815, with 273 of those seats designated for women. Prime Minister Modi said that this reservation will significantly support India’s journey towards becoming a "Viksit Bharat."
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