'Dreams crushed, rights snatched': PM Modi attacks Opposition over women's quota Bill defeat

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday warned the Congress and its allies that women across the country would “severely punish” them for the “sin of foeticide” after the women’s reservation Bill was defeated in Parliament. In a 30-minute address to the nation, Modi apologised to women and said that while the government failed to secure the required votes, it would not give up efforts to ensure their empowerment.

“We may not have got the necessary 66 per cent votes for the passage of the Bill yesterday, but we have got 100 per cent blessings of ‘Nari Shakti’,” he said, referring to the proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures from 2029. “I seek forgiveness from all women of the country,” Modi said, adding that “every citizen of India is witnessing how the march of India’s women has been halted” and that their dreams had been “mercilessly crushed” despite the government’s efforts.

Attacks Opposition, calls defeat ‘foeticide’
The Prime Minister accused parties such as the Congress, DMK, TMC and the Samajwadi Party of indulging in “self-serving politics” at the cost of women and “mercilessly crushing” their aspirations. He alleged that opposition leaders were “clapping gleefully” and “thumping their desks” after the Bill was defeated, calling it “a blow to the dignity and self-respect of women.”

“The Congress and its allies have committed foeticide of an honest effort in the House… They are criminals against the Constitution and against the country’s feminine power,” he said, adding that Congress “hates the issue of women’s reservation.” Modi said women would remember the incident, asserting that “a woman never forgets her insult,” and that the opposition would face consequences.

Slams Congress record, backs Bill
The Prime Minister said he had hoped the Congress would “rectify its decades-old mistake” but accused it of missing the chance to support women. He alleged that the party, which has weakened across the country, survives by relying on regional allies while also trying to prevent them from growing stronger. He also criticised parties like the DMK and TMC for missing the opportunity to enhance representation from their states.

On concerns over delimitation, Modi said the government had clarified that no state’s share would be reduced and that seats would increase proportionately, but the opposition still refused to accept it. He accused the Congress of consistently opposing reforms, including Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar, digital payments, GST, reservation for economically weaker sections, the abrogation of Article 370, the abolition of triple talaq and the Uniform Civil Code.

Calling the amendment a long-pending reform, Modi said it was aimed at giving women their rightful share from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and described it as a “grand yajna” to empower half the population. “I know that the mothers, sisters and daughters of the country are grieving today. I, too, am grieving with you,” he said, adding that the government’s efforts would continue.