PM accuses Opposition of “foeticide of women’s rights”, vows political accountability as women’s quota reform stalls
By NIRENDRA DEV
New Delhi, April 18, 2026 —In a sharply worded address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday apologised for the government’s inability to push amendments to the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam, while launching a blistering attack on the Opposition, accusing it of derailing women’s empowerment for political gain.
“Despite our best efforts, we have not succeeded. Amendments could not be made in the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam. I apologise to all the mothers and sisters of the nation,” the Prime Minister said, striking a conciliatory note at the outset.
However, the tone quickly turned combative as Modi accused parties like the Indian National Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Trinamool Congress, and Samajwadi Party of blocking a long-pending reform. He alleged that these parties had effectively committed a “foeticide” of women’s rights by opposing the legislation.
“The Bill had no intent to deprive anyone. This right for women has been pending for 40 years,” Modi said, adding that what transpired in Parliament was “not just desk-thumping, but an attack on the dignity and self-respect of women.”
Framing the issue as part of a broader ideological divide, the Prime Minister accused Congress of consistently opposing key reforms. “Congress has proved itself to be an anti-reform party. It opposed One Nation, One Election, action against infiltrators, Waqf Board reforms, and even misled the nation on CAA,” he said, alleging a pattern of “lies and misinformation.”
In one of his strongest remarks, Modi said, “Congress today survives like a parasite, piggybacking on regional parties.” He further claimed that the party not only depends on regional allies but also undermines their growth. “It has harmed several regional parties and pushed their political future into darkness,” he added.
The Prime Minister also invoked historical criticism, accusing Congress of continuing a “divide and rule” approach. “This is a policy it learned from the British,” he said, while alleging that family-run parties fear women’s empowerment as it could disrupt entrenched political interests.
Modi warned that voters, particularly women, are closely watching political developments. “Women of the 21st century understand everything. Those who opposed this Bill will be punished for this sin,” he asserted.
Reiterating that “nation’s welfare must come before political gain,” Modi said the failure to pass the amendment reflects “selfish politics” that has once again cost women their due.
Ending on a note of resolve, the Prime Minister signalled that the government would persist. “Sirf waqt ka intezar hai,” he said — suggesting that the push for women’s reservation is only delayed, not defeated.
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