PM Modi accuses Trinamool of ‘betrayal’ over women’s quota bill; Mamata hits back

Addressing a rally in Bankura ahead of state elections, the Prime Minister said the party had “betrayed the sisters of Bengal.”

“The women of Bengal wanted 33% reservation. Modi ensured this… but Trinamool did not want more daughters to become MLAs and MPs,” he said.

He further alleged that the Trinamool “conspired” with the Indian National Congress to block the legislation.

Women’s Reservation Bill falls short

The Women’s Reservation Bill, which sought to reserve 33% seats for women in Parliament, was defeated after the government failed to secure the required two-thirds majority.

While the ruling alliance garnered 298 votes in support, 230 members opposed the bill.

BJP pushes women's empowerment pitch

PM Modi said the Bharatiya Janata Party has consistently worked toward women’s empowerment and safety.

“We want to expand the role of daughters in building a Viksit Bharat and encourage more women to enter politics,” he said.

He also criticised the Trinamool over its stance on tribal representation, highlighting that India elected its first tribal President, Droupadi Murmu.

Mamata Banerjee responds

Responding to the allegations, Mamata Banerjee defended her party’s record on women’s representation.

She said the Trinamool has one of the highest proportions of women representatives in both Parliament and the state legislature.

“In the Lok Sabha, 37.9% of our elected members are women. In the Rajya Sabha, we have nominated 46% women members,” she said in a post.

The sharp exchange highlights how women’s representation has emerged as a key political issue ahead of elections in West Bengal, with both sides seeking to position themselves as champions of women’s empowerment.