Advocating the need for a "robust majority government," Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted today that this was instrumental in securing approval for the long-pending women's reservation bill. He emphasized that having a majority government was essential to propel the nation forward.
Speaking at an event arranged by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Mahila Morcha to honor him for the bill's passage in Parliament, he underlined that this legislation was not just ordinary; it symbolized a fresh commitment to democracy in the emerging India.
"It is our privilege that the chance to script history was given to us by crores of Indians. The event (women's quota bill) will be discussed for generations...Some decisions can change the course of a country's future. The successful passage of the bill is one such decision," he said.
The concept of reserving seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies had been under discussion for nearly three decades, he observed, highlighting that previous attempts lacked dedication, and women often faced disrespect.
Taking a dig at parties such as the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Samajwadi Party (SP), who have vehemently criticized the bill in its current form, PM Modi pointed out that political groups that had previously torn copies of the women's reservation bill in Parliament were now endorsing it.
The Constitutional amendment bill is poised to become law shortly, pending the president's approval and subsequent formal notification, which are standard procedural steps.
This serves as evidence of delivering on "Modi's pledge" to initiate a new era of development led by women, he declared, amidst enthusiastic cheers from the substantial gathering of women at the BJP headquarters.
Highlighting various initiatives and policy measures undertaken by his government to promote women's well-being, PM Modi emphasized that they have consistently strived to empower women through programs aimed at their safety, dignity, and economic advancement.
"PM Awas Yojana gave women property rights, Beti Padhao Beti Bachao scheme gave women education, Muslim women are now free from the shackles of Triple Talaq," he said.
