Ahead of Polls, Modi Accuses TMC and DMK of Squandering Development Opportunity

Ahead of upcoming elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday targeted opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, accusing them of missing a crucial opportunity to deliver development.

The remarks came a day after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 failed to pass in the Lok Sabha following united opposition resistance.

In a video address to the nation, Modi strongly criticised the Opposition, alleging they had effectively carried out the “foeticide” (“bhrun hatya”) of the Centre’s efforts to ensure greater representation and equality for women.

“This was an attempt to give more voice to every state in Parliament—irrespective of size or population—and ensure balanced distribution of power. But the Congress and its allies killed this honest effort in full public view,” he said.

The Prime Minister named parties such as the Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party, TMC, and DMK as responsible, accusing them of opposing both constitutional reform and women’s empowerment. He added that women voters would give a “befitting reply” to the Opposition.

Women’s quota bill

The proposed legislation aimed to expand Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816 to facilitate the implementation of 33% reservation for women ahead of the 2029 general elections, following a delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census. Similar increases were proposed for state and Union Territory assemblies.

The bill required a two-thirds majority to pass but fell short of the mark. During voting in the Lok Sabha, 298 MPs supported the bill while 230 opposed it. Out of 528 votes cast, at least 352 were needed for passage.