Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha during the debate on women’s reservation-linked bills, took a pointed swipe at Opposition parties while urging them to support the legislation without politicising it.
Addressing concerns and criticism, Modi remarked that if the Opposition believed the Women’s Reservation Act would give his government political advantage, they were free to take full credit for it. He said he was willing to offer a “blank cheque” for credit if that ensured the bill’s progress, even suggesting they could associate it with their own leaders or imagery.
He also warned that parties which had opposed women’s reservation in the past had faced electoral consequences, stating that women voters had not forgiven such opposition. Using a lighter tone at one point, he referred to the Opposition’s criticism as akin to applying a “kala teeka,” a symbolic gesture meant to ward off negativity.
Emphasising the broader vision behind the legislation, Modi reiterated that women—who make up nearly half of India’s population—must be included in decision-making processes. He linked the reform to the government’s goal of building a “Viksit Bharat,” where inclusive governance is central to development.
The Prime Minister also reflected on the long delay in implementing women’s reservation, noting that the idea had been under discussion for decades and should have been executed much earlier. He urged lawmakers across party lines not to miss what he described as a historic opportunity to reshape governance and make it more representative and sensitive.
His remarks came amid an intense debate over a set of bills aimed at expanding Lok Sabha seats, carrying out delimitation, and operationalising 33% reservation for women—issues that have triggered sharp disagreements between the government and the Opposition.
