New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Opposition charges on Thursday that the proposed delimitation would result in lower shares for southern states were at the heart of their refusal to back three bills to amend women’s quota laws and set up a delimitation commission. Addressing the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister said, “I say with full responsibility from this august place that this decision will not discriminate against anyone. If you want me to say I guarantee that, then I guarantee that. If you want me to make a commitment, I will do that. If you want me to use the Tamil equivalent, I am ready too.”The Prime Minister said that against the backdrop of persistent opposition from all parties, which remain unconvinced and appear destined to defeat the Constitutional Amendment Bill, those who thwarted its passage in 2010 must pay a heavy price. The NDA had 294 votes and needed the support of some opposition parties to gain a two-thirds majority, or 360 votes out of 540 in the House of Representatives.The government insists that the southern states’ share in LS will not decline due to delimitations required by Parliament and state legislatures to implement the 33% quota.Modi was not optimistic about the outcome and said the outcome would be known in due course – “Numbers ka game to samay tay karega”. But he didn’t let the unfavorable numbers stand in the way of strong support for quotas for women. “This is an important moment in our country’s history and we should not miss it,” he said.In his 37-minute speech, Modi expressed a largely nonpartisan stance. “You said, seeming worried that Modi will gain politically if the bill is passed. I said you take credit. If you say I can write a blank check and say so. I will advertise at the government’s expense, give you credit and recognize your contribution,” he said.Modi said he used “we” to emphasize that this should be a collective effort. “This is our cultural commitment as the mother of democracy,” he said. “Three decades have passed since the idea of quota for women in the legislature was conceived,” Modi said, adding that it was time “we all atoned for the delay”.But the advice was accompanied by a warning of the consequences of blocking this move. “Remember, this matter is not limited to the political class. It has seeped into popular consciousness as women who have benefited from reservation in panchayat feel empowered. Those who oppose it will have to pay the consequences for a long time to come.”
