SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation at 8:30 pm on Saturday, according to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Although the PMO has not confirmed the subject of the address, it comes a day after the Delimitation and Constitution (Amendment) Bills were defeated in the Lok Sabha amid opposition criticism of the government’s approach.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, introduced by the Union Government, sought to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures by 2029 and increase the strength of the Lok Sabha to 816 seats. The Bill was defeated on Friday, dealing a setback to the Centre, while the ruling side reiterated its commitment to advancing women’s rights.
In the voting, 298 members out of 528 present and voting supported the Bill, while 230 voted against it. The measure failed to secure the two-thirds majority required for a Constitution Amendment Bill to pass.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi reportedly told his Cabinet that the Opposition had made a mistake by not supporting the women’s quota Bill and would “face consequences.” He further stated, “They have let down the women of the country. This message must be taken to every single person, to every single village,” according to sources cited by News18.
This is the first instance during the BJP-led government’s three consecutive terms from 2014 to 2026 in which a major Constitutional amendment Bill has been defeated in Parliament.
