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PM Modi blames opposition after womens reservation bill fails in Lok Sabha, bill for 33 percent quota and more seats falls short of two thirds majority, future of reform uncertain.
PM Modi blames opposition after womens reservation bill fails in Lok Sabha, bill for 33 percent quota and more seats falls short of two thirds majority, future of reform uncertain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on opposition parties after the Women’s Reservation Bill failed to secure the required majority in the Lok Sabha, accusing them of sabotaging a key reform for women.
Addressing the nation, Modi said parties such as the Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam had committed what he termed the “foeticide of this honest endeavour”.
“They have committed an offence against the Constitution and against the womanhood of this country,” he said.
Bill falls short in Lok Sabha
The government on Friday failed to pass the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 — a key requirement to implement the proposed 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha.
The bill received 298 votes in favour and 230 against, falling short of the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments.
Following the setback, the government did not proceed with two other related bills that were part of the broader reform package.
What the bill proposed
The proposed legislation aimed to:
- Increase Lok Sabha strength from 543 to 850 seats
- Reserve one-third of seats for women
The move was projected as a major step toward enhancing women’s representation in Parliament.
PM apologises, blames ‘selfish politics’
Modi expressed regret over the bill’s failure, apologising to women across the country.
“I apologise to all the mothers and the nation… despite our best efforts, we have not succeeded,” he said.
He accused opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress, of prioritising political interests over national interest.
“Due to the selfish politics of these parties, the women of the country have suffered,” he added.
Political flashpoint
The collapse of the bill marks a significant political flashpoint, with both the government and opposition expected to continue trading blame over responsibility for the failure.
The outcome also raises questions about the future of women’s reservation reforms, which have been debated in India for decades.
Delhi, India, India
April 18, 2026, 21:34 IST
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