New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on opposition parties over the delay in passing the Women’s Reservation Bill, saying that their actions reflected a “blow to women’s dignity and self-respect.”
In his address to the nation, the Prime Minister said that when the Bill failed to pass, some leaders were seen “clapping on the table,” which he termed not just a gesture but “an insult to the honour of women.”
He said, “This was not a mere table thumping. It was a blow to the self-respect and dignity of women. When the public watches this, they will remember who denied women their rightful place.”
PM Modi further alleged that certain political parties were taking women’s power “for granted” and warned that they would face public accountability for their actions. He said those who opposed the Bill had “committed a sin” and that the people would not forget it.
The Prime Minister also accused opposition parties of undermining the aspirations of women across the country. He said that when party interests overshadow national interest, it is the women of the country who suffer the consequences.
Referring to specific parties, PM Modi said that the politics of the Congress, DMK, TMC, and Samajwadi Party had harmed women’s interests. He also directed strong criticism at the Congress party, accusing it of consistently neglecting women’s empowerment.
He said, “The Congress and its allies have destroyed opportunities for women’s rights. The Congress has lost a historic opportunity and continues to mislead the nation.”
PM Modi further stated that women may forget personal insults over time, but they do not forget humiliation. He said that women across the country would remember who blocked the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament.
He clarified that the Women’s Reservation Bill was not about taking away anyone’s rights but about providing long-pending rights to women, adding that the reform was aimed at ensuring political empowerment of women in the coming years.