Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told the Lok Sabha that the Women’s Reservation Bill is a decision taken in the national interest and should not be turned into a political contest. Calling it a “historic moment”, he said Parliament had a rare opportunity to shape the country’s future through the proposed 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
Modi alleged that some opposition parties support the move privately but oppose it publicly for political reasons. He argued that the credit for passing such a measure should not belong to any single party and warned that women have not forgiven those who opposed similar steps in the past.
Highlighting women’s role in nation-building, the Prime Minister said it was time for the 50% of the population to have a stronger voice in policy-making. He cited the last three decades of women’s representation in local bodies as evidence that large numbers of women have gained political experience and are ready for higher legislative roles.
Addressing concerns linked to constituency delimitation, Modi said there would be no change in proportional representation and no state would face injustice. He noted that Home Minister Amit Shah had already clarified doubts on delimitation and reiterated that no discrimination would arise from the women’s reservation proposal.
Modi also said a “developed India” must reflect inclusive growth in its policy decisions, and urged parties to support the bill, arguing that blocking women’s advancement would have long-term negative consequences.
