Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday made a last-minute appeal to opposition parties to support the Women’s Reservation Bill, urging a consensus for what he described as a historic step towards empowering women.
The appeal comes amid an ongoing debate in Parliament on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, formally known as the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Bill, which aims to provide reservation for women and facilitate delimitation, was approved in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after a division of votes.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister noted that discussions on the Bill continued late into the night. “Currently, a discussion is underway in Parliament on amending the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The debate continued until 1 a.m. last night as well,” he said.
He asserted that the government has addressed concerns raised during the debate. “Every apprehension has been addressed. The information that was lacking has also been provided to every member,” he stated, adding that misconceptions surrounding the Bill have also been clarified.
Highlighting the long-standing nature of the issue, the Prime Minister said that women’s reservation has been a subject of political debate for decades. “For four decades, a great deal of politics has been played on the issue… now is the time that half of the country’s population must receive its rights,” he said.
He also pointed to the low representation of women in decision-making roles. “Even after so many decades of Independence, it is not right that Indian women have such minimal representation in the decision-making process,” he added.
With voting on the Bill scheduled later in the day, the Prime Minister urged all political parties to support its passage. “In just a short while, voting will take place in the Lok Sabha. I urge all political parties… please, after due consideration and with complete sensitivity, take a decision and vote in favour of women’s reservation,” he appealed.
Calling attention to public expectations, he said, “The eyes of the country’s millions of women are upon us… please support the amendment.”
The Prime Minister also made an emotional appeal to lawmakers, asking them to reflect on their personal connections. “Keep in mind the memory of your mother, sister, daughter, wife… listen to your conscience,” he said.
Describing the moment as an opportunity to strengthen both women and democracy, he added, “This amendment will be passed by consensus, and the women power of the country will become even more empowered… the democracy of the country will become even more empowered.”
Concluding his appeal, the Prime Minister urged collective action. “Come… let us together create history today. Give the women of India… their rightful due,” he said.
