PM Modi Condemns Congress and TMC for Blocking Women's Reservation Law Amendments
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing them of "conspiring" against women by blocking amendments to the women's reservation law in Parliament. Stressing that "women's welfare is Modi's guarantee," he asserted that these parties are hindering progress for women's rights in India.
Direct Outreach to Voters in Bengal Campaign Rallies
During his final round of campaigning before the first phase of the Bengal assembly polls on April 23, Modi addressed four rallies in six hours across Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram, and Midnapore. In a notable moment, he made a stopover at a jhalmuri shop in Jhargram, with the video quickly going viral, showcasing his direct engagement with voters.
At the rally in Bankura's Barjora, Modi outlined key welfare promises for women, including:
- Rs 21,000 for pregnant women and an additional Rs 5,000 after childbirth.
- Free vaccination for cervical cancer.
- An 80% discount on medicines through Jan Aushadhi to combat hidden diseases due to medical expenses.
Allegations Against TMC and Congress
Modi labeled TMC as "maa virodhi" (anti-women) for opposing the amendments, claiming it fears that increased female representation in legislatures would hold them accountable. He alleged that TMC, in collusion with Congress, blocked the amendments to prevent women from "speaking for their rights." Modi expressed confidence that BJP would secure a "massive" mandate in Bengal, with women punishing TMC for its stance.
He also criticized TMC for:
- Seeking reservation based on religion, which he called unconstitutional.
- Endangering Bengal's identity through infiltration policies.
- Being an "anti-tribal party" and opposing the first tribal woman President of India.
Promises for Bengal's Development and Welfare
Modi highlighted the Matri Shakti Bharosa Card for women's benefits and pledged:
- Rs 36,000 annually for women.
- Free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh and free dialysis in government hospitals.
- Support for farmers, including Rs 9,000 annual grants and crop insurance to end TMC syndicate control over cold storages.
He accused TMC of causing unemployment and illegal mining in tribal areas, contrasting it with BJP's record of appointing tribal CMs in other states.
Written with inputs from Sujoy Khanra in Midnapore.
