PM Modi to address the nation at 8.30 pm today
PTC Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation at 8.30 pm, a day after the Women’s Reservation Bill failed to pass in the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister’s Office has not shared what topic he will speak on.
The Bill, officially called the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, could not get the required two-thirds majority. It aimed to give 33% reservation to women in Parliament and state assemblies, increase the strength of the Lok Sabha, and carry out delimitation based on the 2011 Census. A total of 298 MPs supported the bill, while 230 voted against it.
Sources said at a Cabinet meeting, PM Modi blamed the Opposition for the bill’s failure. He said they acted against women and made a mistake that could cost them politically. He also told leaders to spread the message across villages that the Opposition does not support women’s rights.
On the other hand, Priyanka Gandhi called it a “big victory for democracy” and criticised the BJP. She said this was the first time since 2014 that the ruling party faced defeat in Parliament.
Priyanka also accused the government of trying to pass the bill by linking it with delimitation. She claimed this was a plan to stay in power and avoid conducting a fresh caste census.
- With inputs from agencies
