Support women's quota, take credit: PM Modi's appeal to Opposition from Red Fort

In his address to the nation on India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged opposition parties to support the swift implementation of the women's quota in Parliament and state assemblies."33 per cent reservation for women is the call of the hour; [I] appeal to all parties to support and take credit for it," he said.While pointing to the passage of the women's reservation Bill in Parliament, PM Modi also underscored the role played by female representatives at every level of elected governance. He asserted that the long-proposed quota for mandatory female representation has always fallen pray to partisan politics."Today, women are playing a major role as elected representatives in panchayats, municipalities and municipal corporations, providing capable leadership and solving local issues. Keeping this in mind, we passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament. However, for some reason or the other, this dream has always fallen prey to the political arena," PM Modi added. - Ends(With inputs from agencies)Published On: Aug 15, 2026 09:30 IST