PM Modi Attacks TMC, DMK; Accuses Opposition of 'Foeticide' of Women's Quota Bill

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, particularly the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing them of squandering opportunities for development in their respective states. Addressing the nation following the defeat of the women's reservation bill in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister did not mince words in criticizing the opposition's role.

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TMC and DMK missed opportunity to deliver development.

Modi drew a stark parallel between the failure of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, and what he termed the "foeticide" of the government's "honest attempts" to ensure equality for women. He asserted that the bill was designed to enhance the voice of all states in Parliament, ensuring an equitable distribution of power regardless of size or population. The Prime Minister squarely blamed the Congress party and its allies, including the TMC and DMK, for obstructing this "honest attempt" and betraying the trust of the nation and 'Nari Shakti' (women power).

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the Congress and its allies committed foeticide of this honest attempt in front of the whole country. They have committed foeticide.

"They are the culprits of the Constitution and the Nari Shakti," Modi declared, warning that the women of India would deliver a "befitting reply" to these parties. The women's quota bill, had it passed, would have necessitated an increase in Lok Sabha seats to 816 and corresponding hikes in state assembly seats to accommodate the 33% reservation for women, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census. The bill required a two-thirds majority, but the ruling alliance fell short, with 298 votes in favor against 230 opposed, falling short of the required 352 votes.

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This was an attempt to give more voice to every state in the Parliament. Whether states are small or big, whether they have more population or less, this was an attempt to ensure equal distribution of power.

From the perspective of the Hindustan Times, this political broadside signals the BJP's strategy to mobilize its base and frame the upcoming elections around issues of national development and women's empowerment. The Prime Minister's strong rhetoric aims to polarize the electorate, portraying the opposition as anti-development and anti-women. While the opposition parties have cited concerns about the delimitation process and the timing of the bill, Modi's framing seeks to shift the narrative, holding them responsible for the setback in achieving gender parity in political representation. This move is a clear attempt to consolidate support by highlighting perceived failures of state governments and positioning the BJP as the sole champion of progress and equality.

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They are the culprits of the Constitution and the Nari Shakti.