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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Apr 18, 2026, 22:36:00 IST
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PM Modi Speech Live Updates: 'Spirits are high', PM Modi says NDA will keep pushing for women quota, draws '66% vs 100%' contrast
PM Modi Speech Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Saturday, launching a direct attack on “parivaarwadi” parties such as the Congress, DMK and TMC, and describing them as “anti-women”. His address came a day after the women’s reservation Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha.
PM Modi spoke about the women’s quota and the developments in Parliament, where Opposition parties voted against the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on Friday.
The Bill proposed increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 to “operationalise” women’s reservation before the 2029 elections, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census. It also aimed to expand seats in state and Union Territory assemblies to ensure 33% reservation for women.
However, the Bill failed to pass as it required a two-thirds majority, which the BJP-led alliance could not secure.
During voting in the Lok Sabha on Friday night, 298 MPs supported the Bill, while 230 voted against it. Out of 528 votes cast, at least 352 were needed for the Bill to be approved.
PM Modi spoke about the women’s quota and the developments in Parliament, where Opposition parties voted against the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on Friday.
The Bill proposed increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 to “operationalise” women’s reservation before the 2029 elections, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census. It also aimed to expand seats in state and Union Territory assemblies to ensure 33% reservation for women.
However, the Bill failed to pass as it required a two-thirds majority, which the BJP-led alliance could not secure.
During voting in the Lok Sabha on Friday night, 298 MPs supported the Bill, while 230 voted against it. Out of 528 votes cast, at least 352 were needed for the Bill to be approved.
22:23 (IST) Apr 18
'TMC has almost double number of women candidates than BJP ': Mahua Moitra
22:06 (IST) Apr 18
'Now tomorrow there will be a ‘PDA’ press conference,' says Akhilesh Yadav
21:45 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: 'Congress stalled border issues with neighbouring countries,' says PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi said, "Several other countries attained independence along with us. Most of the countries have gone much further ahead of us. The reason behind this is that Congress stopped all reforms. 'Latkana, bhatkana, atkana' has always been the principle and work culture of Congress. It stalled border issues with neighbouring countries. It stalled water disputes with Pakistan. It stalled OBC reservation decision for 40 years. It stalled One Rank One Pension for 40 years. This attitude of Congress has always harmed the country. The country has suffered due to all the opposition, indecisiveness and deceit by Congress. All big challenges before the country today were born out of this conduct by the Congress. So, this fight is not just about a law; it is about the anti-reform mindset of Congress...I have no doubt that women of the country will give a befitting reply to this mindset of Congress."
21:36 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: PM Modi calls Congress anti-reform party
PM Narendra Modi said, "Congress opposes One Nation One Election, it opposes driving out infiltrators from the country, it opposes SIR, it Waqf Board reforms. Congress even opposed CAA and lied about it. It kicked up a storm in the country by spreading misinformation. It even obstructs the nation's efforts towards Maoist/Naxal violence. There has been just one pattern of Congress, lie and spread misinformation whenever any reform is brought. History is witness to the fact that Congress has always opted for this negative path."
21:29 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: 'DMK's policy 'by the family, for the family', they competing on who will loot more,' says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a blistering attack against the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, alleging that the state has witnessed record increases in both the party's family wealth and public debt over the past five years.
Addressing a rally in Coimbatore ahead of the upcoming elections, PM Modi accused the top DMK leadership of fostering a "By the family, of the family and for the family" culture, claiming this has led to massive economic strain on the people of Tamil Nadu.
"Over the past five years, two things have increased to record levels in Tamil Nadu. The first is one family's wealth, and the second is Tamil Nadu's debt. The DMK's top family is becoming richer and richer while the debt on each person of Tamil Nadu is increasing more and more," he said.
Intensifying his campaign against the DMK-Congress alliance, the Prime Minister explicitly claimed that key sectors, including media and cinema, are controlled by one family, asserting that senior party politicians are often humiliated by the family's junior members.
Addressing a rally in Coimbatore ahead of the upcoming elections, PM Modi accused the top DMK leadership of fostering a "By the family, of the family and for the family" culture, claiming this has led to massive economic strain on the people of Tamil Nadu.
"Over the past five years, two things have increased to record levels in Tamil Nadu. The first is one family's wealth, and the second is Tamil Nadu's debt. The DMK's top family is becoming richer and richer while the debt on each person of Tamil Nadu is increasing more and more," he said.
Intensifying his campaign against the DMK-Congress alliance, the Prime Minister explicitly claimed that key sectors, including media and cinema, are controlled by one family, asserting that senior party politicians are often humiliated by the family's junior members.
21:17 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: 'Women of the country will not forgive the Congress and its allies,' says PM Modi
"The women of the country will not forgive the Congress and its allies for this. These parties are also spreading misinformation on delimitation and are trying to create divisions, following a politics of divide and rule."
21:09 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: 'They would never want women outside their families to go ahead,' PM says
PM Narendra Modi said, "There is a big reason behind the opposition to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam - the fear of these dynastic parties. They are scared that if women get empowered, the leadership of these dynastic parties will be threatened. They would never want women outside their families to go ahead."
20:59 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: 'These people are taking women's power for granted,' says PM Modi
In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I will say clearly to those parties who opposed the Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment in Parliament yesterday: These people are taking women's power for granted. They are forgetting that women of the twenty-first century are closely monitoring every event in the country. They understand their intentions and are fully aware of the truth. Therefore, the opposition will surely be punished for the sin they have committed by opposing women's reservation.”
20:54 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: 'Nation has understood this ugly pattern of politics,' PM targets oppn
Speaking on Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, PM Narendra Modi said, "Congress, SP, DMK, TMC and other parties have made the same excuse all these years. Raising some technical issue, they have looted the rights of women. The nation has understood this ugly pattern of politics and has understood the reason behind this."
20:51 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: 'Opposition will surely be punished,' PM warns INDIA bloc
In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I will say clearly to those parties who opposed the Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment in Parliament yesterday: These people are taking women's power for granted. They are forgetting that women of the twenty-first century are closely monitoring every event in the country. They understand their intentions and are fully aware of the truth. Therefore, the opposition will surely be punished for the sin they have committed by opposing women's reservation.”
20:48 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: 'Congress does not even want regional parties to grow stronger,' says Prime Minister Narendra Modi
PM Narendra Modi said, "Personally, I had hopes that the Congress would rectify its decades-old mistake, that it would atone for its sins. But Congress lost the opportunity to script history and stand in support of women. Congress has lost its existence in most of the regions of the country. Like a parasite, Congress piggy rides regional parties and keeps itself alive. But Congress does not even want regional parties to grow stronger. So, it hatched the political conspiracy of pushing the future of several regional parties by making them oppose this amendment."
20:47 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: PM Modi's address to nation
20:45 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: PM Modi says country's 'nari shakti had to bear the burden of selfish politics'
In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Nation’s welfare is our priority, but when political benefit becomes the priority for some people, even bigger than the nation’s welfare, the women of the country have to bear the burden for this. The same happened this time as well.”
“The country’s ‘Nari Shakti’ had to bear the burden of the selfish politics of parties like Congress, DMK, TMC and Samajwadi Party.”
20:44 (IST) Apr 18
'Cong, TMC, DMK guilty': PM Modi likens opposition's move against women quota bill to 'foeticide'
20:42 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: PM Modi launches sharp attack on Congress, DMK, TMC and SP
"Yesterday crores of women across the country were watching Parliament. The nation's women were observing closely. It saddened me deeply to see that when this proposal in the interest of women was defeated, parties like Congress, DMK, TMC, and SP, these dynastic parties, were clapping in celebration."
20:41 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: 'Conduct of Congress and its allies will remain in the minds of women across the country,' says PM Modi
PM Modi said, "What happened in Parliament was not just desk thumping, but an attack on the dignity and self respect of women. A woman may forget many things, but she never forgets her insult. The conduct of the Congress and its allies in Parliament will remain in the minds of women across the country. Whenever people see these leaders in their constituencies, they will remember that these are the same individuals who celebrated stopping women’s reservation in Parliament. The women of the country are watching closely and understand their intent."
20:39 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: 'I apologise to all the mothers and in the nation for this,' says PM Modi
In his speech, PM Modi said, "Today I'm here to discuss an important issue, especially for the women of this country. Every citizen of this country is witnessing how women's progress has stalled... Despite our best efforts, we haven't succeeded. Amendments could not be made in the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam. And I apologise to all the mothers and in the nation for this.”
The Prime Minister spoke about the women’s quota and developments in Parliament, where Opposition parties voted against the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on Friday.
20:35 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: PM Modi targets key opposition parties in his address
'Woman never forgets her insult': PM Modi tears into opposition over women quota bill
20:32 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi Speech Live: 'Dreams of nari shakti has been crushed despite our best effort,' says PM Modi in his address to the nation
20:31 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi addresses nation on women reservation bill
20:29 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: PM Modi targets DMK, Congress in Tamil Nadu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "But unfortunately, this noble effort was derailed. DMK, Congress and their allies made it a target of hatred and petty politics... Bases the 2011 census, Tamil Nadu was going to get so many more seats, but clearly DMK did not want this to happen. Their actions are now clearly exposed..."
"By wearing black clothes, DMK cannot cover up their wrong intentions... People know your black deeds and you cannot escape them any longer..."
20:22 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: 'PM Modi described it as a 'black day' for Congress and the opposition,' says BJP's Gopal Krishna Agarwal
On Women's Reservation Bill, BJP national spokesperson Gopal Krishna Agarwal said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hit out at the opposition, saying they will regret their decision not to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha. He called it a historic moment where the opposition could have stood for national interest, women’s empowerment, and proper representation, but instead they sabotaged an initiative vital for the nation... By opposing 33% reservation for women, the opposition revealed their mentality — never truly in favour of women’s upliftment or participation in the national mainstream. Modi described it as a “black day” for Congress and the opposition, noting that they lost an important moment in history which could have strengthened nation‑building..."
20:12 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: BJP holds protest against Opposition after women's reservation bill collapse
Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday held a massive protest against the Opposition after the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill to implement women's reservation failed to pass in Lol Sabha as the INDIA bloc refused to vote in favour of the delimitation process.
BJP projected Congress' stance as "anti-women", raising slogans and placards after the 230 MPs voted against the constitution amendment bill that required a two-thirds majority to come into effect.
Congress has clarified that it does not oppose the women's reservation but the delimitation process linked to the bill, which seeks to increase the seats in the Lok Sabha to 815. Congress claimed the delimitation exercise is aimed at weakening the representation of southern states in the Lower House.
BJP MP Hema Malini, who also joined the protest along with other key leaders, said, "They did not let the Bill be passed. So, we are all protesting here. Women across the country are doing this campaign together. Despite all our efforts yesterday, they did not let the Bill be passed...We are really upset. Women are protesting across the country."
BJP MP Yogender Chandolia pointed out that the bill was not brought to seek credit, referring to PM Modi's speech in Lok Sabha, he added that Congress will "realise their mistake".
"PM had said even in the Lok Sabha that they (Congress) can take the credit (for Women's Reservation Bill), that he doesn't want the credit. But they did not consider even the PM's words. They opposed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. In the upcoming elections, women will defeat them. Only then will they (Congress) realise their mistake."
BJP projected Congress' stance as "anti-women", raising slogans and placards after the 230 MPs voted against the constitution amendment bill that required a two-thirds majority to come into effect.
Congress has clarified that it does not oppose the women's reservation but the delimitation process linked to the bill, which seeks to increase the seats in the Lok Sabha to 815. Congress claimed the delimitation exercise is aimed at weakening the representation of southern states in the Lower House.
BJP MP Hema Malini, who also joined the protest along with other key leaders, said, "They did not let the Bill be passed. So, we are all protesting here. Women across the country are doing this campaign together. Despite all our efforts yesterday, they did not let the Bill be passed...We are really upset. Women are protesting across the country."
BJP MP Yogender Chandolia pointed out that the bill was not brought to seek credit, referring to PM Modi's speech in Lok Sabha, he added that Congress will "realise their mistake".
"PM had said even in the Lok Sabha that they (Congress) can take the credit (for Women's Reservation Bill), that he doesn't want the credit. But they did not consider even the PM's words. They opposed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. In the upcoming elections, women will defeat them. Only then will they (Congress) realise their mistake."
20:10 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: Opposition to write to PM Modi demanding implementation of old women's reservation bill
The Opposition will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demand the implementation of the old Women's Reservation Bill, Sources said.
As per the Sources on Saturday, Parties in the INDIA bloc will hold press conferences across the country to state that they support women's reservation, but the government was trying to change the political map of the country under its guise.
During the meeting, all leaders congratulated one another, and Sonia Gandhi expressed her gratitude to all her allies.
Speaking to ANI ahead of the final day of the special sitting, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi urged the Centre to reintroduce the original Women's Reservation Bill, a day after the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, failed to pass in the Lok Sabha during the special Parliament sitting.
Priyanka Gandhi challenged the government to bring back a version of the bill that had previously received broad political consensus. "They (Centre) should bring the old women's bill, the one which was passed by all parties, immediately on Monday. Hold Parliament on Monday, bring the bill and let's see who is anti-woman. We will all vote and support you," she told ANI.
The One Hundred and Sixth Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam), passed in 2023 by Parliament, provides for 33% (one-third) reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
As per the Sources on Saturday, Parties in the INDIA bloc will hold press conferences across the country to state that they support women's reservation, but the government was trying to change the political map of the country under its guise.
During the meeting, all leaders congratulated one another, and Sonia Gandhi expressed her gratitude to all her allies.
Speaking to ANI ahead of the final day of the special sitting, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi urged the Centre to reintroduce the original Women's Reservation Bill, a day after the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, failed to pass in the Lok Sabha during the special Parliament sitting.
Priyanka Gandhi challenged the government to bring back a version of the bill that had previously received broad political consensus. "They (Centre) should bring the old women's bill, the one which was passed by all parties, immediately on Monday. Hold Parliament on Monday, bring the bill and let's see who is anti-woman. We will all vote and support you," she told ANI.
The One Hundred and Sixth Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam), passed in 2023 by Parliament, provides for 33% (one-third) reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
19:58 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: 'PM Modi is controlled by Donald Trump, wants to do the same in Tamil Nadu,' says Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was being "controlled" by US President Donald Trump and that the PM wanted the AIADMK to capture power so that he could control Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Also, he claimed that the prime minister "handed out our energy security and gave away our data, besides selling our farmers and small and medium industries."
"You saw yesterday (in Parliament) the face of Prime Minister Narendra Modi completely lacking confidence," Rahul said on the delimitation bill.
"He (PM) could not even face the opposition. He was sitting sideways. And the reason is, he is controlled by the United States. He signed the India-US deal that sold our country out," Rahul said while addressing an election rally here.
He further said, "Today, if Donald Trump tells Modi to jump, Modi jumps. If Donald Trump tells Modi to lie down, Modi lies down. Why? Because Donald Trump controls Modi fully. How does he control him? He controls through the Epstein files. He controls him because he knows Modi's financial systems and understands Modi's link with Adani," the Congress leader alleged.
Just as he was being controlled by Trump, Modi wanted to do the same to the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. "That is why he wants to put AIADMK in power in TN," Rahul said.
Also, he claimed that the prime minister "handed out our energy security and gave away our data, besides selling our farmers and small and medium industries."
"You saw yesterday (in Parliament) the face of Prime Minister Narendra Modi completely lacking confidence," Rahul said on the delimitation bill.
"He (PM) could not even face the opposition. He was sitting sideways. And the reason is, he is controlled by the United States. He signed the India-US deal that sold our country out," Rahul said while addressing an election rally here.
He further said, "Today, if Donald Trump tells Modi to jump, Modi jumps. If Donald Trump tells Modi to lie down, Modi lies down. Why? Because Donald Trump controls Modi fully. How does he control him? He controls through the Epstein files. He controls him because he knows Modi's financial systems and understands Modi's link with Adani," the Congress leader alleged.
Just as he was being controlled by Trump, Modi wanted to do the same to the chief minister of Tamil Nadu. "That is why he wants to put AIADMK in power in TN," Rahul said.
19:42 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: PM Modi to speak on women’s quota bill after Lok Sabha defeat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "After this program, I will discuss this issue in detail at 8.30 PM tonight... Today, DMK has no achievements to showcase, no real issues to raise. This is why they resorted to spreading false fears about reduction in Tamil Nadu's seats. DMK said earlier that the current proportional representation must be maintained, and we proposed it as well. But now they took a U-turn..."
"Why does it trouble DMK and Congress to see women rise? These one-family parties want power to remain confined within their own families."
"Why does it trouble DMK and Congress to see women rise? These one-family parties want power to remain confined within their own families."
19:32 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: PM Modi targets Gandhi family in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore
Women's quota: These one 'family parties' want power to be confined in their own family, alleges PM Modi in Coimbatore
19:27 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: Mamata Banerjee says PM Modi will address nation with 'another web of falsehood'
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation with "another web of falsehood".
This comes ahead of PM Modi's address to the nation after the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill to implement women's reservation failed to pass in Lok Sabha as the INDIA bloc refused to vote in favour of the delimitation process.
Addressing a rally, Mamata Banerjee said, "Today, Prime Minister Modi will once again address the nation with yet another web of falsehoods. Under the BJP regime, those who once incited riots have now risen to become the leaders of the country".
Mamata Banerjee alleged the bill was introduced to "divide" the country, with the BJP aiming to gain political advantage by increasing the Lok Sabha seats to 850 through the delimitation process.
"Modi's downfall started yesterday in Delhi. It is not the Women's Bill, I have been fighting for the Women's Bill since 1998. Modi has told lies through the media. The bill was introduced to divide the country. To divide Bengal and other non-BJP states. He knew that he couldn't win in 543 constituencies; that's why he played the game to make 850 constituencies. That's why, despite the election campaign, I sent all my 21 MPs. I wouldn't let the country be divided and not let Bengal get divided," she said.
This comes ahead of PM Modi's address to the nation after the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill to implement women's reservation failed to pass in Lok Sabha as the INDIA bloc refused to vote in favour of the delimitation process.
Addressing a rally, Mamata Banerjee said, "Today, Prime Minister Modi will once again address the nation with yet another web of falsehoods. Under the BJP regime, those who once incited riots have now risen to become the leaders of the country".
Mamata Banerjee alleged the bill was introduced to "divide" the country, with the BJP aiming to gain political advantage by increasing the Lok Sabha seats to 850 through the delimitation process.
"Modi's downfall started yesterday in Delhi. It is not the Women's Bill, I have been fighting for the Women's Bill since 1998. Modi has told lies through the media. The bill was introduced to divide the country. To divide Bengal and other non-BJP states. He knew that he couldn't win in 543 constituencies; that's why he played the game to make 850 constituencies. That's why, despite the election campaign, I sent all my 21 MPs. I wouldn't let the country be divided and not let Bengal get divided," she said.
19:21 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: 'No attempt to carve new vote bank, women backed PM since 2014,' says Smriti Irani
Former Union minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani stated that the Women's Reservation Bill seeks to strengthen "ordinary women" with political aspirations, not carve out a new vote bank, and added that women have consistently backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014.
Irani said the legislation is aimed at political empowerment.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP Headquarters, Irani said, "When PM Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, if we look at his journey, the votes of those who voted for him have only increased. So it is not as if there is any attempt to carve out a new vote bank. Women in the country, whether in 2014, 2019 or 2024, have supported PM Modi by voting for him. The bill that has been introduced is one that aims to strengthen the capability of ordinary women in this country who have political aspirations and wish to contribute to the development of the nation. It is a bill that empowers them.
Taking a swipe at Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Irani said that those who have "inherited politics" may not fully understand such initiatives.
"Those who have inherited politics may not understand this for sure. Therefore, I do not expect Mrs Vadra to understand this effort of PM Modi, which empowers ordinary women in the country. Women in the country have consistently and in large numbers voted for PM Modi and supported him," Irani added.
Irani said the legislation is aimed at political empowerment.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP Headquarters, Irani said, "When PM Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, if we look at his journey, the votes of those who voted for him have only increased. So it is not as if there is any attempt to carve out a new vote bank. Women in the country, whether in 2014, 2019 or 2024, have supported PM Modi by voting for him. The bill that has been introduced is one that aims to strengthen the capability of ordinary women in this country who have political aspirations and wish to contribute to the development of the nation. It is a bill that empowers them.
Taking a swipe at Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Irani said that those who have "inherited politics" may not fully understand such initiatives.
"Those who have inherited politics may not understand this for sure. Therefore, I do not expect Mrs Vadra to understand this effort of PM Modi, which empowers ordinary women in the country. Women in the country have consistently and in large numbers voted for PM Modi and supported him," Irani added.
19:19 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: PM Modi’s speech follows Lok Sabha setback on women’s quota bill
PM Modi's speech comes a day after a major setback for the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha, where the Constitution Amendment Bill linked to the Women’s Reservation policy failed to pass. The proposed legislation, tied to the implementation of women’s reservation through delimitation, required a two-thirds majority but fell short after a lengthy and heated debate.
19:18 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: PM Modi directs ministers to expose opposition's 'anti-women' stand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Congress and other opposition parties will have to pay a price for not supporting the bill aimed at early implementation of women’s reservation, and asked Union ministers to expose the Opposition’s "anti-women" mindset before the public, news agency PTI reported quoting sources.
At a Union Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to implement women’s reservation by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
According to sources, PM Modi said the opposition had made a “big mistake” by not voting in favour of the Bill and would face consequences for opposing it.
He is also learnt to have asked his Cabinet colleagues to take this message to the grassroots and every village, and highlight the Opposition’s "anti-women" mindset among people.
At a Union Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to implement women’s reservation by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
According to sources, PM Modi said the opposition had made a “big mistake” by not voting in favour of the Bill and would face consequences for opposing it.
He is also learnt to have asked his Cabinet colleagues to take this message to the grassroots and every village, and highlight the Opposition’s "anti-women" mindset among people.
19:18 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: 'Prime Minister should first apologise to women of the country,' says Congress MP Jebi Mather
On PM Narendra Modi to address the nation tonight, Congress MP Jebi Mather said, "The Prime Minister should first apologise to the women of the country because they were used as a tool to cover the delimitation process, but due to the rightful intervention by the opposition, it stands defeated... Now the PM should accept he defeat gracefully and when he is addressing today, tell the women of the country that the Bill that was passed in 2023 will be passed quickly and by 2029, and the reservation will be given in the 543 strength of the Parliament... We hope it is not something like demonetisation or pandemic, let him use this opportunity to accept the defeat gracefully... Then we can accept that 'Niyat Saaf Hai'"
19:18 (IST) Apr 18
PM Modi News Live: PM Narendra Modi to address nation at 8:30 PM after women’s quota Bill defeat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation tonight at 8:30 pm, a day after a bill on women’s reservation was defeated in the Lok Sabha.
"The Prime Minister will address the nation at 8.30 PM (April 18, Saturday)," an official said.
Modi is likely to speak about the women’s quota issue and what happened in Parliament, where Opposition parties voted against the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on Friday.
The Bill aimed to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 to bring in 33% reservation for women before the 2029 elections. It also proposed increasing seats in state and Union Territory assemblies for the same purpose.
However, the Bill could not pass as it needed a two-thirds majority. During voting, 298 MPs supported it, while 230 voted against it. Out of 528 votes cast, at least 352 were needed for the Bill to be approved.
"The Prime Minister will address the nation at 8.30 PM (April 18, Saturday)," an official said.
Modi is likely to speak about the women’s quota issue and what happened in Parliament, where Opposition parties voted against the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on Friday.
The Bill aimed to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 to bring in 33% reservation for women before the 2029 elections. It also proposed increasing seats in state and Union Territory assemblies for the same purpose.
However, the Bill could not pass as it needed a two-thirds majority. During voting, 298 MPs supported it, while 230 voted against it. Out of 528 votes cast, at least 352 were needed for the Bill to be approved.
PM Modi Speech Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Saturday, launching a sharp attack on “parivaarwadi” parties such as the Congress, DMK and TMC, calling them “anti-women”. His address came a day after the women’s reservation Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha.
In his speech, PM Modi said, "Today I'm here to discuss an important issue, especially for the women of this country. Every citizen of this country is witnessing how women's progress has stalled... Despite our best efforts, we haven't succeeded. Amendments could not be made in the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam. And I apologise to all the mothers and in the nation for this.”
The Prime Minister spoke about the women’s quota and developments in Parliament, where Opposition parties voted against the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on Friday.
The Bill proposed increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 to “operationalise” women’s reservation ahead of the 2029 elections, based on a delimitation exercise using the 2011 Census. It also sought to expand seats in state and Union Territory assemblies to ensure 33% reservation for women.
On Friday, the BJP-led government failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, with 298 MPs voting in favour and 230 against.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed the Bill did not pass, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre would not proceed with related legislations.
Union home minister Amit Shah accused the Opposition of blocking the Bill. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition supports women’s quota but opposes linking it with delimitation.
"Yesterday in Parliament, they came up with a new Bill. They said it was a Women's Bill, but that was already passed in 2023. The hidden agenda behind that Bill was delimitation. The idea was to reduce Tamil Nadu's representation in the Parliament of India and weaken southern and smaller states. We defeated that Bill in Parliament yesterday," he said.
"Every state should have a voice in the Union and should be free to express its language and protect its tradition."
Meanwhile, the BJP and its allies continued protests, accusing the Congress and INDIA bloc of being “anti-women” and opposing women’s progress.
In his speech, PM Modi said, "Today I'm here to discuss an important issue, especially for the women of this country. Every citizen of this country is witnessing how women's progress has stalled... Despite our best efforts, we haven't succeeded. Amendments could not be made in the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam. And I apologise to all the mothers and in the nation for this.”
The Prime Minister spoke about the women’s quota and developments in Parliament, where Opposition parties voted against the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on Friday.
The Bill proposed increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 to “operationalise” women’s reservation ahead of the 2029 elections, based on a delimitation exercise using the 2011 Census. It also sought to expand seats in state and Union Territory assemblies to ensure 33% reservation for women.
On Friday, the BJP-led government failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha, with 298 MPs voting in favour and 230 against.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed the Bill did not pass, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre would not proceed with related legislations.
Union home minister Amit Shah accused the Opposition of blocking the Bill. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition supports women’s quota but opposes linking it with delimitation.
"Yesterday in Parliament, they came up with a new Bill. They said it was a Women's Bill, but that was already passed in 2023. The hidden agenda behind that Bill was delimitation. The idea was to reduce Tamil Nadu's representation in the Parliament of India and weaken southern and smaller states. We defeated that Bill in Parliament yesterday," he said.
"Every state should have a voice in the Union and should be free to express its language and protect its tradition."
Meanwhile, the BJP and its allies continued protests, accusing the Congress and INDIA bloc of being “anti-women” and opposing women’s progress.
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