New Delhi, India — April 18, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp political attack on the opposition, particularly the Indian National Congress, accusing it of delaying key national issues for decades while reaffirming his government’s commitment to pushing forward the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Addressing the nation, PM Modi said that political indecision and “anti-reform thinking” had cost India generations of progress, adding that his government remains determined to overcome obstacles despite the recent legislative setback.
Women’s Reservation Bill: ‘Setback, Not Defeat’
Referring to the failure to secure the required two-thirds majority for the bill, PM Modi said the outcome should not be seen as a defeat.
He asserted that while the government may have fallen short of the necessary numbers in Parliament, it continues to enjoy “the blessings of 100% of the nation’s women.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that his administration will continue efforts to ensure greater participation of women in legislatures, stating that no political resistance will be allowed to block what he described as a historic reform.
Direct Attack on Congress’ Political Legacy
PM Modi accused the Congress party of historically postponing critical issues for political gain, citing unresolved disputes and delayed reforms.
According to him, past governments:
- Delayed border and water-sharing disputes with Pakistan
- Held back long-pending measures such as One Rank One Pension
- Slowed implementation of OBC reservation policies
He claimed that these decisions contributed to long-term challenges faced by the country today.
Reform Opposition ‘A Pattern,’ Says PM
The Prime Minister also accused Congress of consistently opposing major reforms, including:
- Digital payments initiatives
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation
- Abrogation of Article 370
He said that “misinformation and resistance” have been recurring strategies used to oppose policy changes.
Delimitation Row Sparks Political Clash
PM Modi also addressed concerns around delimitation, accusing opposition parties of spreading misinformation.
He clarified that:
- No state’s representation will be reduced
- Seat distribution ratios will remain balanced
- All states are expected to see proportional increases in representation
The Prime Minister alleged that parties such as DMK, TMC, and Samajwadi Party opposed the proposal due to political interests, missing an opportunity to expand representation.
Broader Political Context
The remarks come amid intensifying political debate over electoral reforms, women’s representation, and federal balance.
PM Modi framed the issue as a broader ideological battle between reform-oriented governance and what he described as “status quo politics.”
What Lies Ahead
- Government likely to reintroduce or push the Women’s Reservation Bill again
- Political confrontation expected to intensify ahead of upcoming elections
- Debate over delimitation and representation to remain central
The Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the reform agenda will continue, stating that “determination, not numbers alone, will define the outcome.”
