Women’s quota bill won’t discriminate, will strengthen democracy: Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha | Top quotes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged all parties to “collectively” ensure the passage of the women’s reservation bill, asserting that it would neither discriminate against anyone nor be unfair in its implementation.

Speaking on the first day of the special Parliament session, Modi pitched for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Constitution 128th Amendment Bill, 2023), calling it a step toward making India’s legislative process more inclusive and representative.

The three-day special session, running from April 16 to April 18, has also seen the introduction of key legislations, including the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Delimitation Bill, 2026, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. A decision on these is expected on Friday.

Key highlights from PM Modi’s speech

‘Will not discriminate’
Modi said the women’s reservation and delimitation process would not be discriminatory. He added that the existing seat ratio framework would remain unchanged.

‘A chance to give new direction’
Calling it a historic moment, the Prime Minister said lawmakers have an opportunity to give the country “a new direction” and make governance more sensitive and inclusive.

‘No party opposed in principle’
He claimed that while opposition parties support the idea of women’s reservation in principle, political differences emerge inside Parliament.

‘Not a victory for one party’
Amid criticism over the timing of the bill, Modi said its passage would be a “collective success” and not a political win for any single party.

Warning to critics
The Prime Minister cautioned that those opposing the bill would not be “forgiven” by women, urging parties not to give the issue a political colour.

‘This is women’s right’
He stressed that the bill is not a favour but a long-denied right for women.

‘Don’t want credit’
Modi said he was willing to give full credit to all parties for the bill’s passage, even joking about publishing their photos in a full-page advertisement.

Boost to democracy
He concluded that greater representation of women would strengthen India’s democracy and improve collective decision-making.