PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called it a defining moment for India’s democracy as he strongly pitched for greater representation of women in policymaking while addressing the women’s reservation Bill and delimitation in the Lok Sabha during a special session of Parliament.As the Bill was tabled in the lower house, he asserted, “we will give India a new direction,” while also hailing India as the “mother of democracy.”PM Modi pushed back against the opposition’s criticism, stating there was “no need to give it a political colour.”The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which provides 33% reservation for women in legislatures, is currently linked to the delimitation process in the Lok Sabha. The government is aiming to implement the quota ahead of the 2029 general elections by introducing amendments to the 2023 Act and a constitutional change to delink delimitation from the 2027 census.
Top quotes from PM Modi
- “Discussion on this important Bill began this morning. Many members have raised various issues, and we will provide detailed and accurate information to the House. There are some defining moments in a nation’s life — when the mindset of society and the capability of leadership come together to turn them into lasting legacies. In the history of India’s parliamentary democracy, this is one such moment.”
- “When this idea was first conceived 25–30 years ago, it should have been implemented. Today, we have brought it to a mature stage.”
- “Ours is the mother of democracy. Our democratic journey spans thousands of years, and all of us in this House have the opportunity to add a new dimension to it.”
- “This is an important moment in the history of India’s parliamentary democracy. It should have been implemented 20–25 years ago. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to bring half of our population into national policymaking.”
- “In the 21st century, India is moving forward with renewed confidence. A defining moment has arrived, linked to our resolve of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. This vision goes beyond infrastructure or economic indicators — it requires that 50% of the population actively participates in policymaking.”
- “We are already late due to various reasons. Whether we admit it publicly or not, we all recognise this. I would advise those trying to politicise this issue — the women of the country have not forgiven those who opposed this Bill.”
- “I’d also like to offer advice to those who think only in political terms. Ever since the discussion about women’s reservations began in our country, and every election that followed, whoever opposed this right for women, the women of the country have not forgiven them.”
- “I want to tell all my fellow parliamentarians that we should not be under the illusion or pride that we are giving anything to the women of this country. Not at all, this is their right.”
- “In India’s development journey, MPs have got an opportunity to make women part of decision making.”
- “India is marching in the 21st century with confidence.”
- “A developed India does not mean only good infrastructure but participation of women in policy making.”
- “This will be in favour of the country’s democracy, it will be in favor of the country’s collective decision-making, and we will all be entitled to the credit.”
- “It is very obvious that if you oppose this bill, then I will get political benefits from it. However, if we walk together, nobody will benefit from it. So, I don’t want the credit. If the bill is passed, I am ready to make hoardings with everyone’s photo. I am ready to give you all the credit.”
