‘Dreams crushed’, ‘selfish politics’, and ‘we’ll be back’: Key highlights from Modi’s speech after Lok Sabha rejects women’s reservation amendment bill

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday apologised to women across the country after the Lok Sabha rejected the proposal for 33% reservation, saying their “dreams were crushed” despite the government’s efforts.

Addressing the nation a day after the bill failed, Modi called the outcome a setback to women’s empowerment and blamed opposition parties for blocking the measure. Here are the key highlights from his speech:

‘I apologise… dreams were crushed’

Modi struck a conciliatory tone at the outset, saying, “I sincerely apologise to all mothers and sisters.” He added that despite the government’s efforts, “the aspirations of Indian women were curtailed… their dreams were shattered.”

Also Read: PM Modi apologises to women after Lok Sabha rejects 33% quota bill, vows to ‘remove every obstacle’ to ensure representation

Opposition ‘killed the dream’

The prime minister launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, All India Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, accusing them of “selfish politics.” He said, “Congress and its supporters have killed this dream,” and alleged that women had been forced to “bear the brunt” of their actions.

‘Attack on women’s dignity’

Referring to reactions in Parliament, Modi claimed the opposition had celebrated the bill’s defeat. “What they did was not just applause—it was an attack on women’s dignity and self-respect,” he said, adding that women would remember the moment.

Warning of political consequences

Modi said the “21st-century woman is watching everything closely” and warned that those opposing the bill would face consequences. “They are taking women for granted… the opposition will be punished for this wrongdoing,” he said.

‘Will remove every obstacle’

Despite the setback, Modi struck a note of resolve, saying the government would persist. “We didn’t have the majority yesterday, but that doesn’t mean we have lost… we will not stop trying,” he said, vowing to “remove every obstacle” to women’s reservation.

Delimitation row: ‘Divide and rule’ politics

The prime minister also accused opposition parties of fuelling fears around delimitation. “They have learnt the politics of divide and rule from the British,” he said, arguing that the proposal would have benefited all states by expanding representation.

Also Read: Delimitation Bill 2026 shelved after women’s reservation amendment fails in Lok Sabha

Reform vs resistance pitch

Positioning the issue within a broader political narrative, Modi said the opposition had a history of blocking reforms. “Congress has proved that it is an anti-reform party,” he said, alleging a pattern of spreading confusion and obstructing progress.

Reiterating his commitment, Modi said the push for women’s representation would continue, adding that the resolve to empower “half the population” remained firm despite the legislative setback.