Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused opposition parties of obstructing greater representation of women in legislatures, alleging that “family-driven” political groups fear losing influence if grassroots women leaders gain prominence.

Addressing a Mahila Samelan in Varanasi, Modi said such parties were reluctant to allow more women into Assemblies and Parliament, arguing that increased participation by women would challenge entrenched power structures. He claimed that women across the country have recognised these intentions.

The Prime Minister highlighted that gender inclusion was a key idea behind the new Parliament building and pointed to the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act as an effort to address a long-standing gap in political representation. He noted that the legislation seeks to ensure 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Referring to recent parliamentary proceedings, Modi criticised opposition parties—including the Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam—for not supporting a constitutional amendment related to women’s reservation. He alleged that these parties had historically delayed such measures and continue to resist them due to concerns over women’s growing political influence.

The remarks come after a constitutional amendment bill concerning reservation of seats for women did not secure the required two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha during a recent special session of Parliament. Opposition parties had objected to linking the implementation of reservation with delimitation and expansion of the House.

Seeking public support, Modi said he remained committed to ensuring the implementation of women’s reservation and urged women to back the initiative.

On law and order, the Prime Minister contrasted the current administration with the previous government led by the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, claiming that women’s safety has improved under the present dispensation. He referred to provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, stating that they have contributed to faster action in serious crimes against women.

He also mentioned recent Assembly elections in states such as Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, asserting that high voter turnout among women reflected their political engagement.

Highlighting welfare initiatives, Modi spoke about schemes aimed at empowering women, including the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, noting that many homes under the latter are registered in women’s names.

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During the event, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects in Varanasi, collectively valued at around ₹6,350 crore.