Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday apologised to the women of the country after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 aimed at enhancing women’s representation in Parliament failed to pass in the Lok Sabha. Addressing the nation a day after the bill’s defeat, Modi blamed opposition parties including the Indian National Congress, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Trinamool Congress, and the Samajwadi Party for blocking the legislation.
Here are top quotes from PM Modi’s speech:
‘I Seek Forgiveness From All Women’
“I seek forgiveness from all women of the country. Every citizen of India is watching how dreams of our women have been crushed,” Modi said, calling the bill’s failure a setback for women across India.
Opposition Accused of Putting Party Before Nation
Modi squarely blamed the opposition for the bill’s defeat. “For us, the nation’s interest is paramount. But when some place party interest above national interest, then women and the country have to bear the consequences. Due to the selfish politics of parties like Congress, DMK, TMC and the Samajwadi Party, the women of the country have suffered,” he said.
‘Attack on Dignity of Women’
The Prime Minister condemned the scenes inside Parliament following the vote. “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,” he said.
Opposition Accused of ‘Foeticide’
Modi used sharp language to describe the bill’s defeat, accusing the Congress and its allies of killing a genuine effort at equitable representation. “The Congress and its allies committed foeticide of this honest attempt in front of the whole country,” he said, adding that the bill sought to ensure equal distribution of power across states regardless of size or population.
‘Dynastic Parties’ Celebrated Defeat, Says Modi
Modi said he was deeply saddened by the opposition’s reaction after the vote. “Yesterday crores of women across the country were watching Parliament. 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,” he said.
Warning to Opposition: ‘Women Are Watching’
The Prime Minister warned that voters would hold the opposition accountable. “The sin committed by the opposition in opposing women’s reservation will surely be punished. These parties have also disrespected the sentiments of the framers of the Constitution, and they will not be able to escape the punishment given by the people,” he said.
Congress Called Out for ‘Missed Opportunity’
Modi said he had hoped the Congress would use this moment to correct its record. “I expected Congress to correct its past mistakes, but they missed an opportunity to script new history. Congress has already lost its presence in most parts of the country. It survives like a parasite by riding on the backs of regional parties, yet it does not want those regional parties to grow stronger,” he said.