In a high-voltage address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke at 8:30 pm, a day after the Union government faced a major legislative setback in the Lok Sabha over a key constitutional amendment proposal linked to delimitation and women’s representation.
The Prime Minister’s address followed the defeat of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was part of a broader legislative package that also included the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill failed to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. According to parliamentary records, 298 Members of Parliament voted in favour while 230 voted against, falling short of the threshold required for passage. Following the outcome, the government withdrew the associated bills.
In his address, Modi strongly criticised opposition parties for their stance on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which seeks to enhance women’s representation in legislative bodies.
He said:
“These parties also insulted the sentiments of the framers of the Constitution, and they will not be spared by the people’s punishment for this.”
Highlighting the intent behind the amendment, the Prime Minister stated:
“The Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment was not about taking anything away from anyone, but about giving something to everyone… It was about giving women the rights that had been pending for 40 years, in the next elections in 2029.”
He described the initiative as a significant national effort, adding:
“It was a ‘Maha Yagya’ to remove obstacles from their path… The Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment is the need of the hour.”
The Prime Minister also accused opposition parties of obstructing the legislative process in Parliament.
“Congress and its allies have committed feticide of this endeavour in the Parliament in front of everyone. Parties like Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party and DMK are responsible for this… They are the culprits of ‘Nari Shakti’ of the nation.”
Further escalating his criticism, Modi alleged that the Congress has historically opposed several reform-oriented and welfare initiatives. He said that from Jan Dhan schemes and digital payment systems to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and campaigns against Maoist violence, the Congress has consistently resisted measures aimed at public welfare and governance.
“From Jan Dhan to Digital Payment, and from CAA to the campaign against Maoist violence, Congress has opposed every major reform. This shows that Congress is an anti-reform party,” he said.
Further elaborating on the reasons behind the opposition’s stance, Modi said:
“There is a big reason behind the opposition to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam – the fear of these dynastic parties. They are scared that if women get empowered, the leadership of these dynastic parties will be threatened. They would never want women outside their families to go ahead.”
The Prime Minister’s address came at a critical political juncture, marking a rare instance where a constitutional amendment package introduced by the Union government did not pass in the Lower House. The proposed legislation was aimed at expanding the strength of the Lok Sabha and revisiting the delimitation framework in view of the upcoming 2027 Census and future electoral representation.
Official indications had suggested that the address would outline the government’s interpretation of the voting outcome, reassure the public on policy continuity, and present the way forward on key reforms. During his speech, Modi reiterated that the government remains committed to its agenda of inclusive governance, social justice, and women’s empowerment despite the setback.
The address, broadcast live across official platforms, underscored the significance of the developments in Parliament and the government’s intention to continue pursuing its policy priorities.