New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged Members of Parliament to support the women’s reservation bill, describing it as a historic opportunity to strengthen India’s democratic framework.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, the prime minister said the country stands at a crucial turning point where decisions taken now will shape the future of governance. He stressed that enabling women to participate in policymaking is essential for building a more inclusive and sensitive system.
He noted that India, often described as the “Mother of Democracy”, now has an opportunity to add a reformative dimension to its legacy. He said the proposal to ensure 33% representation for women should have been implemented decades earlier.
Modi also highlighted that no political party opposed the bill in principle during consultations, according to an official statement. He said the move should not be viewed through a political lens and added that the credit belongs to the entire House.
Referring to past discussions on reservations, he said political reluctance had delayed similar reforms at higher levels despite successful implementation at the Panchayat level. He added that women leaders who emerged from local governance have developed strong political awareness and are now demanding representation in state assemblies and Parliament.
The prime minister further said women across the country have demonstrated leadership in multiple fields and questioned resistance to their inclusion in legislative bodies. He urged lawmakers to evaluate the bill based on national interest rather than electoral considerations.
He also warned that women voters would closely assess the intent behind the decision and said any lack of sincerity could lead to public backlash.
Referring to the passage of the law in 2023, he said delays in implementation were linked to procedural requirements, including census and delimitation, as well as disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that further delay could undermine public trust.
The prime minister called for consensus and timely action, stating that expanding women’s participation is critical to achieving the goal of a developed India.
