PM Modi Defends Women’s Reservation, Offers Opposition ‘Credit’ for Passage of Bill

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday strongly backed the proposed 33% reservation for women in Parliament, asserting that the government is committed to inclusive representation while inviting the Opposition to claim full credit for the legislation if it helps secure consensus.

Speaking during a parliamentary discussion, Modi underlined his own social background, stating that he comes from an “extremely backward” section of society. He credited the Indian Constitution for enabling individuals from marginalised communities to rise to positions of national leadership. “For me, the Constitution is supreme. It is the strength of the Constitution that someone from a very small and backward section of society has been entrusted with such a great responsibility,” he said.

Emphasising his governance approach, the Prime Minister said his duty is to take all sections of society along. He added that when intentions are clear, debates over terminology—whether “guarantee” or “promise”—become irrelevant.

In a pointed political remark, Modi suggested that opposition to the Bill could yield political advantage to the ruling side, but stressed that a united approach would serve the nation better. “If you oppose, it may benefit me politically. But if we move together, it will benefit everyone,” he said.

In a conciliatory gesture, the Prime Minister offered the Opposition full credit for the passage of the women’s reservation Bill. “We do not seek credit. Once the Bill is passed, I am ready to issue advertisements thanking everyone and publishing your photographs. You can take the credit,” he remarked, signalling a willingness to prioritise consensus over political gain.

The remarks come amid ongoing discussions around the long-pending legislation aimed at ensuring greater representation of women in India’s legislative bodies.