• Pushes for transformative reform in parliamentary democracy
• Terms women’s participation in policymaking crucial for Viksit Bharat
• Says historic opportunity must not be delayed any further
• Highlights rise of grassroots women leaders shaping political discourse
• Warns against political motives and calls for national interest first
• Assures fair delimitation, rejects fears of regional discrimination
• Appeals for unanimous support, calls bill a long-overdue right
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday delivered a powerful and wide-ranging address in the Lok Sabha, calling the present moment a “historic opportunity” to empower India’s women and integrate them meaningfully into the country’s decision-making framework. Speaking during a crucial discussion on a landmark bill aimed at enhancing women’s representation, the Prime Minister urged lawmakers to rise above political considerations and act in the larger national interest.
Acknowledging the extensive deliberations that had already taken place in the House since morning, the Prime Minister appreciated Members of Parliament for presenting fact-based and logical arguments. He noted that such discussions reflect the maturity of India’s parliamentary democracy and emphasized that moments like these define the course of a nation’s future.
Describing the juncture as a turning point, Modi said that certain opportunities come rarely in a nation’s journey, and it is the responsibility of leadership to recognize and act upon them. “This is one such historic moment,” he remarked, adding that the idea of women’s adequate representation in legislative bodies should have been realized decades ago. “Had this been implemented 25 to 30 years ago, we would have witnessed its full impact by now,” he observed.
Reaffirming India’s legacy as the “Mother of Democracy,” the Prime Minister highlighted that the nation now has a unique chance to strengthen this heritage by ensuring that women—who constitute nearly half of the population—are actively involved in shaping policies. “This is not just an opportunity; it is a responsibility we must fulfill,” he said, urging all members not to let the moment pass.
PM Modi underlined that building a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, is not limited to infrastructure growth but requires inclusive governance. He stressed that the principle of “SabkaSaath, Sabka Vikas” can only be realized when women are equal participants in policymaking. According to him, the inclusion of Nari Shakti is not optional but an urgent necessity for holistic national development.
In a significant observation, the Prime Minister revealed that during his consultations with various political parties, no one opposed the bill in principle. This, he said, demonstrates a broad consensus across the political spectrum. He emphasized that such transformative steps should not be viewed through a partisan lens. “The credit for this does not belong to any one party or individual; it belongs to the entire House,” he stated, calling for unity in passing the legislation.
Reflecting on past attitudes, Modi recalled how reservations at the Panchayat level were more readily accepted because they did not threaten positions of power at higher levels. He pointed out that while local governance saw significant strides in women’s participation, similar efforts in legislative bodies faced resistance due to entrenched interests.
However, the Prime Minister highlighted that the socio-political landscape has evolved dramatically. Today, millions of women who have served in Panchayats have emerged as confident and vocal leaders. “They are no longer silent spectators; they are active opinion-makers who understand governance and public issues deeply,” he noted. He warned that ignoring their aspirations would have significant political consequences, as these grassroots leaders now influence electoral outcomes across constituencies.
Calling for trust in women’s capabilities, Modi asserted that once adequate representation is ensured, women leaders themselves are capable of addressing issues of internal representation and diversity. He dismissed any need for paternalistic oversight, stating, “Why do we doubt their abilities? Let them come forward and decide.”
The Prime Minister also spoke about his personal journey, emphasizing his roots in a marginalized community and his unwavering commitment to the Constitution. He described the Constitution as the guiding force that enabled him to rise to the nation’s highest office and stressed that it mandates inclusive governance.
Highlighting the achievements of women across sectors, Modi said that women have consistently contributed to the nation’s progress and brought pride to the country. He questioned the logic of resisting their inclusion in legislative bodies when their capabilities are already evident. “Integrating women into decision-making will only strengthen the nation,” he said.
Urging lawmakers to rise above narrow political calculations, the Prime Minister made a direct appeal to evaluate the bill solely on its merit and national significance. He cautioned that the intentions behind legislative decisions would be closely scrutinized by the public, particularly women voters. “The Nari Shakti of this country will not forgive any flaw in our intentions,” he warned.
Addressing concerns regarding delays in implementation, PM Modi explained that factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and procedural requirements like census and delimitation had contributed to the timeline. However, he stressed that further delays would erode public trust. “Missing the next opportunity will send a wrong message to the women of this country,” he said, urging immediate action.
The Prime Minister also categorically rejected fears of regional bias in the delimitation process. He assured the House that no state or region would face discrimination and that existing demographic balances would be maintained. “Whether it is Kashmir or Kanyakumari, we must think as one nation,” he said, emphasizing unity and fairness.
In a strong statement, Modi reminded lawmakers that women’s representation is not a favor being granted but a right that has been delayed for far too long. He described the bill as an act of correction for decades of inaction. “We have collectively delayed this right; now is the time to fulfill it,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister also pointed out the historical pattern of political support being undermined by technical objections and procedural delays. He said that such tactics can no longer be used to stall progress, as women across the country are now more aware and politically conscious.
Drawing from data, Modi highlighted the success of women in grassroots governance. He noted that hundreds of women are leading district Panchayats and thousands are heading block-level bodies, managing significant responsibilities and budgets. Additionally, women are playing key roles in urban governance as mayors and committee heads. These examples, he said, demonstrate that women are fully capable of handling complex administrative roles.
“This vast pool of experienced women leaders is ready to contribute at higher levels,” he said, adding that their inclusion in Parliament would enhance legislative effectiveness and bring a more empathetic approach to governance.
As he concluded, the Prime Minister reiterated that the moment calls for courage and collective resolve. He urged all members to support the bill unanimously, emphasizing that such unity would send a powerful message to the nation.
“Half of the population has an equal right to be here,” PM Modi said, adding that the new Parliament building has been designed to accommodate this expanded representation. He expressed confidence that the integration of women into legislative processes would not only strengthen democracy but also accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
The Prime Minister’s address underscored the urgency of the reform and positioned it as a defining step in India’s democratic evolution—one that could shape the nation’s future for generations to come. PIB
