Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the failure of the women's reservation bill in the Lok Sabha as a setback for women and apologised for not being able to secure its passage.
Addressing the nation, Modi criticised opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Trinamool Congress, and the Samajwadi Party, accusing them of blocking a measure to enhance women's representation.
Modi said, 'For us, the nation's interest is paramount. But when some place party interest above national interest, then women and the country have to bear the consequences.'
He also sought forgiveness from all women of the country, saying, 'Every citizen of India is watching how dreams of our women have been crushed.'
Modi further stated, 'What happened in Parliament was not just desk thumping, but an attack on the dignity and self-respect of women.'
He also accused the Congress and its allies of committing 'foeticide' of the honest attempt to give more voice to every state in the Parliament.
Modi said, 'They are forgetting that the women of the 21st century are closely watching every development in the country. They can sense intentions and clearly understand the truth.'
He also stated, 'The Nari Shakti Vandan amendment was the need of the hour. It aimed to equally strengthen all states across the country, whether big or small, and ensure balanced representation.'
