Modi urges women's reservation, unveils 2047 development roadmap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India's 80th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, 2026, called for the immediate implementation of 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, urging all political parties to support the measure. He framed the demand as a long-overdue step to honor women's contributions and shape national policy.

Modi noted that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, or Women's Reservation Act, was passed by Parliament in 2023 but has stalled due to political disagreements over linking it to a delimitation exercise. He appealed directly to parties to move past the issue, which he said has been stuck for 40 years. "You may take the credit, you may claim the accolades, but please grant our mothers and sisters their due rights," Modi said, emphasizing that women elected at the grassroots level have already proven their capable leadership.

The Congress party responded by accusing the government of hypocrisy. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that the party supports implementing the reservation from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections within the current 543-seat strength, but alleged the government...