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PM Modi Pushes for Women's Reservation Bill, Vows 33% Quota by 2029

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing an NDA rally in Tiruvalla, emphasized the government's commitment to passing the Women's Reservation Bill, with parliamentary discussions scheduled for mid-April. He assured that delimitation would not reduce Lok Sabha seats in Kerala or Tamil Nadu, countering what he called misinformation. Modi criticized both the LDF and UDF for Kerala's developmental lag despite central financial support and natural advantages. He positioned the NDA as the alternative for inclusive, women-led development to address issues like corruption and youth migration.

Key Points: Modi Seeks Consensus on Women's Reservation Bill in Kerala

  • Bill debate set for April 16-18
  • No Lok Sabha seat reduction for Kerala, TN
  • Criticizes LDF and UDF governance
  • Highlights central funds for Kerala
  • Pitches NDA for transformative growth
2 min read

PM Modi bats for consensus on Women's Reservation Bill at Tiruvalla rally

PM Modi at Tiruvalla rally commits to Women's Reservation Bill, assures no seat cuts for South, and criticizes Kerala's ruling fronts for lack of development.

PM Modi bats for consensus on Women's Reservation Bill at Tiruvalla rally
"33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures would become a reality and be reflected in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi"

Tiruvalla, April 4

Placing women's political empowerment at the heart of his campaign pitch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday underscored the Centre's commitment to the Women's Reservation Bill, asserting that 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures would become a reality and be reflected in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing a mammoth NDA rally in Tiruvalla, PM Modi said Parliament would take up discussions on the Bill from April 16 to 18 and called for unanimous support, urging opposition parties to participate constructively.

Dismissing concerns over delimitation, the Prime Minister clarified that not a single Lok Sabha seat in Kerala or Tamil Nadu would be reduced, countering what he termed "rumours" being spread to create apprehension among voters.

Arriving in Kochi and travelling by helicopter to Changanassery before driving to Tiruvalla, the Prime Minister said the scale of public response along the route was striking.

"There was no roadshow, yet the turnout was larger than one," he said, describing the crowds as forming a "human chain" on either side of the road.

Framing women's welfare as a cornerstone of his government's policies, PM Modi highlighted initiatives aimed at improving quality of life, including housing, drinking water access, and a proposed free cancer vaccine programme for teenage girls.

He said such schemes would gain further momentum in Kerala under a "double-engine" NDA government.

Turning to governance, the Prime Minister criticised both the LDF and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), accusing them of alternating in power without delivering tangible development.

Despite Kerala's natural advantages in sectors such as tourism and the blue economy, the state continues to lag behind, he said.

He pointed to inadequate infrastructure, citing poor roads, a lack of major bridges, and deficiencies at Kottayam Medical College.

PM Modi asserted that the Centre had extended strong financial backing to Kerala, claiming allocations were five times higher than those under previous Congress-led governments.

He also highlighted Rs 13,000 crore in support for farmers, including rubber growers.

Citing rapid development in Christian-majority northeastern states and Goa under NDA rule, PM Modi expressed confidence that Kerala would follow a similar trajectory.

Warning that corruption, communalism, and rising youth migration were holding the state back, PM Modi urged voters to reject both traditional fronts, pitching the NDA as the vehicle for transformative growth anchored in inclusive policies and women-led development.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to hear the PM clarify about delimitation. There was genuine worry in the south about losing seats. The focus should be on development, not creating regional fears. The infrastructure points about Kerala are valid.
A
Anjali F
While the Bill is welcome, I hope the discussion goes beyond just reservation. We need systemic changes to ensure women candidates get fair tickets and aren't just placeholders for male relatives. The intent must translate to real empowerment.
S
Suresh O
The 'double-engine' promise sounds good, but Kerala has its own unique socio-political fabric. Simply replicating a model from the Northeast or Goa might not work. Development is needed, but it must respect the state's existing strengths and consensus.
M
Meera T
The free cancer vaccine for girls is a fantastic initiative! Women's health is crucial for the health of the family and society. More such forward-thinking schemes are needed. This is true women-led development.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, the criticism of alternating LDF and UDF has merit, but the solution isn't just a change of guard. The central funds allocation needs scrutiny. Is it reaching the intended beneficiaries, or is there leakage? Transparency is key for Kerala's growth.
D
David E
Interesting to see this focus on women's political participation in the Indian context

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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