New Delhi: Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a strong criticism of the Congress party and its allies, accusing them of effectively committing “foeticide” against the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ Amendment, a key piece of legislation intended to enhance women’s participation in Indian politics.

Amendment aimed at expanding women’s representation

Addressing the nation, the Prime Minister said the proposed amendment was not about taking away anyone’s rights but about extending long-overdue opportunities to women, who make up nearly half of India’s population.

He explained that the Bill was designed to ensure proper representation for women starting from the next Lok Sabha elections, while removing long-standing barriers that have limited their political participation.

‘Maha yagna’ for women’s empowerment

Describing the initiative in symbolic terms, Modi likened the amendment to a “Maha Yagna” carried out with sincerity and clarity of purpose. He said the effort was aimed at opening new avenues for women in 21st-century India and enabling them to progress without constraints.

He added that the legislation would bring women into the mainstream of the country’s development process as equal partners, thereby strengthening inclusivity across society.

Focus on federal balance and representation

The Prime Minister also underlined that the amendment would lead to a proportional increase in representation for all states, regardless of their size, region, or population.

He said this would help ensure that voices from across the country, whether from the North, South, East or West, are better represented in Parliament, reinforcing the federal structure.

Sharp criticism of opposition parties

However, Modi expressed disappointment over the reaction of opposition parties, accusing the Indian National Congress, All India Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam of “brutally killing” the initiative both within Parliament and in the public sphere.

He alleged that these parties had acted against the Constitution’s spirit and undermined the interests of women by opposing the Bill.

Allegations of historical opposition

The Prime Minister claimed that the Congress has historically resisted women’s reservation and has repeatedly created obstacles whenever such proposals have been introduced in the past.

According to him, the party and its allies once again resorted to what he described as misleading arguments, diversionary tactics and debates over statistics to block the legislation.

‘Opportunity missed’ by Congress

Modi said that by taking this stance, these parties had made their position clear to women across the country. He added that he had hoped the Congress would use the moment to reconsider its long-standing approach and make amends, but it failed to do so.

Commitment to women’s empowerment

Reaffirming his government’s position, the Prime Minister stressed that India’s progress depends on ensuring women have their rightful place in decision-making institutions. He maintained that genuine development cannot be achieved without empowering women politically.

Agency inputs