Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised Opposition parties a day after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 failed in the Lok Sabha. He accused them of carrying out what he called a “bhrun hatya” (foeticide) of the government’s genuine effort to ensure equality for women.
In a video address to the nation, the Prime Minister said the bill aimed to give fair representation to all states and strengthen women’s participation in governance.
“This was an attempt to give more voice to every state in the Parliament. Whether states are small or big, whether they have more population or less, this was an attempt to ensure equal distribution of power. But the Congress and its allies committed foeticide of this honest attempt in front of the whole country. They have committed foeticide,” PM Modi said.
My address to the nation. https://t.co/2Vyx15A4rx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 18, 2026
Government defends intent behind the bill
PM Modi explained that the proposed law was designed to balance power among states while also promoting women’s representation. He said the government’s goal was to ensure fairness in Parliament regardless of a state’s size or population.
At the same time, he accused Opposition parties of ignoring the importance of women’s empowerment. According to him, their opposition showed that they were taking the strength and aspirations of women lightly.
Sharp criticism of Opposition parties
The Prime Minister directly targeted major Opposition groups, including Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Samajwadi Party (SP), and DMK. He held them responsible for blocking the bill.
“They are the culprits of the Constitution and the Nari Shakti. Congress hates the subject of women reservation,” he said.
He further claimed that women across the country would respond strongly to these parties in future elections.
“Congress has always spread falsehoods about necessary reforms, delayed every reform, while it ruled,” he added.
Accusations of political motives
PM Modi also alleged that several Opposition parties placed political interests above women’s empowerment. He said that groups like Congress, TMC, and DMK had openly celebrated the failure of the bill.
According to him, this reflected their “selfish politics” and lack of commitment to empowering women.
"The opposition has committed a sin by opposing women's reservation, and they will surely be punished for this. Opposition parties have insulted our Constitution by defeating the bill," he said.
Government vows to continue its efforts
Despite the setback in Parliament, the Prime Minister made it clear that the government would not step back from its objective. He admitted that the bill failed because the Centre could not secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha.
However, he insisted that the broader support of women across the country remained with the government.
“Yesterday, we didn't had the strength, but that doesn't mean we lost. Our struggle won't stop here. We have to fulfill this vow,” he added.