India
oi-Prakash KL
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on all political parties to set aside differences and back the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, a landmark constitutional amendment that seeks to reserve one-third of seats for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
In a post on X, PM Modi described the legislation as a historic step towards correcting decades of under-representation. “For nearly four decades, this issue has been delayed. Now is the time to ensure that half of the nation’s population receives its rightful due in decision-making,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for support for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, a constitutional amendment (Bill 2026) reserving 33% of seats for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, describing it as a historic step to correct long-standing under-representation.
Debate on the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, began on Thursday and continued late into the night, resuming again on Friday morning. The Bill provides 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative bodies, while accompanying measures extend the provision to Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, and introduce a Delimitation Bill to expand Lok Sabha constituencies to 850.
He added, “In a short while from now, voting will take place in the Lok Sabha. I urge and appeal to all political parties to reflect carefully and take a sensitive decision by voting in favour of women’s reservation.
On behalf of our Nari Shakti, I also request all members not to do anything that may hurt the sentiments of women across India. Crores of women are watching us…our intent and our decisions. I once again request that everyone support the amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that the Government had addressed all concerns and misconceptions with “facts and logic”, ensuring clarity before the vote. He urged MPs to reflect carefully and take a “sensitive decision” in favour of women’s reservation, warning that any move against the Bill could hurt the sentiments of millions of women across India.
Modi, in his speech in the Lok Sabha, also reminded members of the political consequences of opposing such measures. “Ever since discussions on women’s reservation began, whichever parties have opposed it, the women of the country have not forgiven them. They have made their condition very bad,” he cautioned.
He highlighted the progress already made at the grassroots level, noting that over the past 25-30 years, lakhs of women have emerged as leaders in local governance. “In political life, anyone who wants to move forward successfully must accept this reality,” he said.
The Prime Minister framed the legislation as part of India’s democratic journey, calling Parliament the “Mother of Democracy” and stressing that the Bill adds a new dimension to its evolution. “We have already delayed it. Whatever the reasons may be, whoever is responsible, we must accept this reality,” he added.
Voting on the Bill is expected to take place shortly in the Lok Sabha, with Mr Modi reiterating his appeal for unity. “On behalf of our Nari Shakti, I request all members not to do anything that may hurt the sentiments of women across India. Crores of women are watching us… our intent and our decisions,” he said.
