Modi's Strong Warning to Congress: Women Will Not Forget the Foeticide of Their Rights

Prime Minister Modi Addresses Women's Reservation Bill Defeat

New Delhi: On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to the Congress party and its allies, stating that Indian women will hold them accountable for their actions regarding the women's reservation bill, which was recently defeated in Parliament.

During his address to the nation, Modi expressed regret to women across the country, emphasizing that although the government did not secure the required votes, it remains committed to women's empowerment.

"While we may not have achieved the necessary 66 percent votes for the bill's passage, we have received the full support of 'Nari Shakti'," Modi remarked, referring to the bill aimed at reserving 33 percent of legislative seats for women by 2029.

He criticized opposition parties for thwarting women's aspirations by blocking the bill, despite the government's persistent efforts.

"I ask for forgiveness from all women in the nation," he stated, reaffirming his administration's dedication to overcoming barriers to women's representation and empowerment.

In a speech lasting 30 minutes, Modi accused parties such as Congress, DMK, TMC, and Samajwadi Party of prioritizing their interests over the welfare of women.

He pointed out that these opposition groups have taken women's empowerment for granted, stating, "Today, every citizen can see how the progress of women in India has been impeded. Their dreams have been ruthlessly crushed, and despite our best efforts, we could not prevail."

Modi claimed that the opposition's actions revealed their true nature, as they celebrated their political victories at the expense of women's rights.

"The Congress and its allies have committed a grave injustice against the honest efforts made for women's empowerment in front of the entire nation. They are guilty of undermining the Constitution and women's rights," he asserted.

He further accused the Congress of perpetuating divisive narratives and misleading the public regarding the implications of delimitation on various states.

Despite the government's assurances that no state's representation would be diminished, the opposition parties, including Congress, DMK, TMC, and SP, refused to accept this.

Modi criticized the Congress for consistently spreading misinformation about necessary reforms and delaying crucial decisions during its tenure. He stated, "The challenges our nation faces today stem from the Congress party's negative approach over the years. Women will respond decisively to Congress and its allies."

He suggested that the opposition's resistance to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhinyam stems from a fear that empowering women could disrupt their dynastic political structures.

Modi noted that the DMK had a chance to enhance representation for Tamil Nadu in Parliament but failed to act, just as the TMC missed an opportunity for West Bengal.

"The Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment is essential for balanced empowerment across all regions, aiming to amplify every state's voice in Parliament," he explained, lamenting that this sincere effort was thwarted by Congress and its allies.

He warned that women of the 21st century are vigilant and aware of the opposition's intentions, stating, "The opposition's actions against women's reservation will not go unpunished."

Modi emphasized that women may forgive, but they will not forget the disrespect shown to them, and the bitterness from the opposition's behavior in Parliament will linger.

He accused family-centric parties like Congress, DMK, TMC, and SP of celebrating their success in denying women's rights, stating, "What they did was not merely a political maneuver; it was an affront to women's dignity and self-respect."

The Prime Minister remarked that Congress has lost its foothold in many regions and is now reliant on regional parties, yet it resists their growth.

"By opposing this amendment, Congress is jeopardizing the future of many regional parties through political tactics," he added, urging all opposing parties to recognize the significance of women's empowerment.

Modi highlighted that this amendment, pending for four decades, was intended to grant women their rightful place starting from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

"This bill represented a grand effort to provide new opportunities for women in 21st-century India, to empower them and eliminate obstacles in their paths," he stated.

He labeled the Congress as an "anti-reform party" for opposing this bill, recalling their opposition to various significant reforms in the past.

Modi concluded by asserting that this struggle is not merely about one law but a broader fight against the Congress's negative mindset. He expressed confidence that the daughters of India would respond strongly to this opposition.

He acknowledged the grief felt by mothers, sisters, and daughters across the nation, stating, "I share in your sorrow. However, our efforts will not waver; we will continue to strive for the dreams of half the population and the future of our country."