Modi Slams Opposition Over Women’s Reservation Bill Defeat, Calls It ‘Anti-Reform’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation following the setback to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, strongly criticizing opposition parties for blocking what he described as a historic reform aimed at empowering women.

By opposing this, Congress has proved itself to be an anti-reform party.

This is the same Congress that opposed Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar, and digital payments. It also opposed Goods and Services Tax.

Congress opposed reservation for economically weaker sections, the abrogation… pic.twitter.com/5xbJ7aULbG

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 18, 2026

In a sharp attack, the Prime Minister labeled the Congress and its allies as “anti-reform,” accusing them of consistently opposing major national initiatives such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar, digital payments, and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He further stated that the opposition has also resisted key decisions like reservation for economically weaker sections, the abrogation of Article 370, the abolition of Triple Talaq, and the proposed Uniform Civil Code.

कल संसद में नारी शक्ति वंदन संशोधन का जिन दलों ने विरोध किया है, उनसे मैं दो टूक कहूंगा- ये लोग नारी शक्ति को for granted ले रहे हैं।

वो ये भूल रहे हैं कि 21वीं सदी की नारी देश की हर घटना पर नजर रख रही है।

वो उनकी मंशा भाप रही है, और सच्चाई भी भलीभांति जान चुकी है।

इसलिए… pic.twitter.com/Pw7pkBzvG3

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 18, 2026

Referring to the rejection of the Women’s Reservation Bill, Modi warned that parties opposing it are underestimating the awareness and political consciousness of modern Indian women. He asserted that women across the country are closely observing political developments and will respond decisively.

It was deeply painful to see that when this proposal in the interest of women was defeated, parties like Congress, DMK, SP, and TMC were applauding.

By taking away women’s rights, they were thumping their desks.

Those were not just thumps on the desk, they were blows to the… pic.twitter.com/XGqLiyIR6i

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 18, 2026

Calling the defeat of the bill “deeply painful,” the Prime Minister said that the moment when opposition leaders applauded its rejection reflected a disregard for women’s dignity and aspirations. He emphasized that the legislation, pending for over four decades, aimed to provide greater political representation to women starting from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

आज भारत का हर नागरिक देख रहा है कि कैसे भारत की नारी शक्ति की उड़ान को रोक दिया गया।

उनके सपनों को बेरहमी से कुचल दिया गया। हमारे भरसक प्रयास के बावजूद हम सफल नहीं हो पाए।

नारी शक्ति वंदन अधिनियम में संशोधन नहीं हो पाया।

मैं इसके लिए सभी माताओं-बहनों से क्षमाप्रार्थी हूं।… pic.twitter.com/iB3SLHejqS

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 18, 2026

Modi apologized to the women of the nation, stating that despite the government’s efforts, the amendment could not be passed. He reiterated that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was intended to empower nearly half of India’s population and create equal growth opportunities across states.

कांग्रेस, TMC, DMK, समाजवादी पार्टी और पूरे विपक्ष ने ‘नारी शक्ति वंदन अधिनियम’ जैसे महत्वपूर्ण बिल को रोकने का प्रयास कर एक बार फिर देश की माँ-बहनों के विरोध वाला चेहरा जनता के सामने उजागर कर दिया है। लेकिन देश साक्षी है कि आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी ने देश से जो…

— Nitin Nabin (@NitinNabin) April 18, 2026

He added that parties like Congress, DMK, TMC, and the Samajwadi Party have prioritized political interests over national interest, and that such actions have hindered the progress of women’s empowerment in India.