Prime Minister Modi to Address Nation Following Women's Reservation Bill Setback
Prime Minister's Upcoming Address
According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation at 8:30 PM on Saturday. This announcement comes just a day after the opposition's unity led to the failure of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister chaired a cabinet meeting where he criticized the opposition for opposing the bill, stating they made a 'grave mistake' that would come at a significant cost. He emphasized that the women of the country would never forgive the opposition for derailing this legislation aimed at securing reservations for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Details of the Women's Reservation Bill
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which pertains to women's reservation, required a two-thirds majority, or 352 votes, to pass in the house, which has a total of 543 members. However, the bill garnered support from only 298 members, while 230 opposed it. Following the bill's failure, the government refrained from bringing the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territory Laws (Amendment) Bill to a vote, citing their connection to the failed legislation.
Impact of the Bill's Failure
The proposed constitutional amendment aimed to implement 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies starting from the 2029 general elections. During the voting on the 'Constitution (131st) Amendment Bill 2026', 298 votes were cast in favor, while 230 were against. A two-thirds majority is necessary for any constitutional amendment to pass in the Lok Sabha.
Future Legislative Actions
Alongside this bill, the government had also planned to discuss and pass the 'Delimitation Bill, 2026' and the 'Union State Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026' in the house, but these too could not progress. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that following the failure of the constitutional amendment bill, they could not move forward with the related bills.