Delimitation Won’t Be Discriminatory: PM Modi on Women’s Quota

New Delhi (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Lok Sabha members on Thursday that the delimitation process preceding the women’s quota implementation will not discriminate against any state. Addressing concerns from Southern and smaller states, the Prime Minister stated he is willing to use the terms “guarantee” and “promise” to ensure no region faces injustice.

“Whether it is South or North, small or big state, the delimitation process will not do injustice to anyone,” the Prime Minister said, calling for a “nation-first” vision to supersede political considerations. He urged the Opposition not to view the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026 through a political prism, asserting that the policy is a matter of national benefit rather than a political largesse.

In a direct appeal to Opposition parties, PM Modi offered them a “blank cheque” to take credit for the Bill. “I am willing to give advertisements with photos of whoever you want. Take the credit, but let us unite to give women their due,” he stated. He warned that stalling the implementation beyond 2029 would undermine the credibility of the legislature in the eyes of the nation’s women.

The Prime Minister highlighted that over 300,000 women currently hold decision-making roles in panchayats and 90,000 in urban local bodies. He argued that the time has come to elevate this leadership to the national level to change the “disha and dasha” (direction and condition) of Indian politics.

Earlier, the Lok Sabha approved the introduction of three related bills following a formal division of votes pressed by the Opposition. The Prime Minister concluded by reminding the House that “Nari Shakti” (women power) is already bringing glory to the nation in all fields, and their formal entry into policy-making will “do wonders” for the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.