Women's Reservation Bill: Opposition kept this issue stalled for three decades, we do not seek the credit, says PM Modi
New Delhi: Speaking on Thursday in the Parliament regarding the amendments related to the Women's Reservation Bill, PM Modi remarked that throughout our country's electoral history, whoever has opposed this right—which is rightfully due to women—has met with the most severe consequences. They have never been forgiven.
A total of 15 hours has been allotted for the discussion on the bills, scheduled for April 16 and 17. The voting is set to take place tomorrow evening at 4:00 PM. The amendment bill proposes to increase the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha to 850.
No discrimiation against anyone: Modi
PM Modi stated: "I would like to emphasize that the Constitution has not granted us the right to view this country in fragments. Be it Kashmir or Kanyakumari, we can only conceive of it as a single, unified nation. Regarding the storm being whipped up for the sake of political gain, I wish to state with full responsibility that the decision-making process will not discriminate against anyone.
"This process will not inflict injustice upon anyone. There will be no alteration to the existing proportions—the established norms that have prevailed since the time of previous governments."
PM Modi said, "If the word 'guarantee' is what is desired, then I shall use that very word; if you speak of a 'promise,' I shall employ that term as well. If there is a specific word in Tamil, I am prepared to use that too. For when one's intentions are pure, there is no need to engage in wordplay."
PM Modi stated that, therefore, anyone who perceives a political motive behind this initiative should take heed of the potential repercussions for themselves. Their best interest lies in doing so, as it will spare them from suffering any adverse consequences. Consequently, there is no need to cast a political hue upon this matter. The nation's 'Nari Shakti' (women power) will never forgive any insincerity in our intentions.
You kept this issue stalled for three decades: Modi
Modi remarked, "You (Opposition) simply had no intention of doing this (passing Women's Reservation Bill), which is why you resorted to making excuses. But now, you will no longer be able to mislead the women of this country. You kept this issue stalled for three decades. Now, just let it go! Some people here seem to suspect that, somewhere deep down, Modi has a political motive behind this."
We should proceed on this matter through consensus: PM
The PM stated, "I would urge that we proceed on this matter through consensus. I will simply say this: do not weigh this issue on the scales of politics. Those who are shouldering the responsibility for half of this vast nation should not be hindered. There was already a prior consensus regarding the numbers—specifically, that the existing count should not be reduced, but rather increased—so that no one feels they have been left out."
"In politics, the fear of defeat can be unsettling. We have a tradition here of applying a 'black mark' to ward off the 'evil eye'; for this reason, I thank you." (Notably, DMK MPs had arrived in the House dressed in black attire to protest against the bill.)
We do not seek the credit: PM
PM said, "If you choose to oppose this, it is only natural that the political dividends will accrue to me. However, if you choose to cooperate, then neither of us will gain any exclusive advantage—and that presents an entirely different scenario. We do not seek the credit; the moment this Bill is passed, I am ready to publish advertisements thanking everyone. We will feature everyone's photographs. Go ahead—take the credit! I am offering you a 'blank cheque' for the credit, right here and now."
Earlier, Akhilesh Yadav had remarked, "The Bharatiya Janata Party is now attempting to reduce women to mere slogans. How can those who have failed to accord women a place within their own organization be expected to uphold their dignity and honor?"