'Opposition committed foeticide'; PM Modi apologises to women after Women's Reservation Amendment Bill fails in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has apologised to the women of the country for not being able to pass the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill in the Parliament. He was addressing the nation after the bill's defeat in the Lok Sabha. He said that despite all efforts, the amendment could not be passed. “I apologise to all mothers and sisters for not being able to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill,” he said.

With assembly elections nearing in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, the opposition has criticised the Centre’s move, calling it an attempt to win over women voters in favour of the BJP. It is in this context that Narendra Modi made the statement. He also said that even if the bill is not passed, the government will continue its efforts to push it forward.

The Prime Minister strongly criticised the opposition in his speech. He said that parties like the Trinamool Congress and DMK had acted against women’s interests. He added that some opposition parties even celebrated the failure of the bill. “This is an insult to the dignity of women, and women will not forgive this,” he said. He also described the opposition as opportunistic groups that benefit at the expense of women.

"Women will remember those who celebrated the bill’s defeat. Women in the 21st century understand everything clearly. The parties responsible will face consequences. The bill was not meant to take anything away from anyone, but to give opportunities to all. The government was trying to implement the Women’s Bill by 2029. However, opposition parties, including the Congress, committed foeticide. The women of this country have suffered due to the selfish politics of parties like Congress, DMK, TMC and the Samajwadi Party," he said.

In the voting held in the Lok Sabha on Friday night, 298 MPs supported the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill, while 230 voted against it. Out of 528 votes recorded, at least 352 were needed to pass the bill. As it did not receive the required two-thirds majority, the bill was defeated.