File pics NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday called out PM Modi and said that it was “deeply unfortunate” that Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to “mislead the nation” over the women’s reservation bill.She also alleged that the Centre was attempting to push the delimitation exercise by “using women as a shield”. “It is deeply unfortunate that the Prime Minister chose to mislead the nation rather than address it honestly,” Mamata said in a long-message on X.Her remarks came a day after a bill to implement 33 per cent women’s reservation in legislatures by 2029 was defeated in the Lok Sabha. In an address to the nation on Saturday, Modi had warned the Congress and its allies that the women of India would “severely punish them” for the “sin of foeticide”.Mamata asserted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has always supported higher political representation for women, adding that the party currently has the highest proportion of female elected representatives in both Parliament and the state legislature. “In the Lok Sabha, 37.9 per cent of TMC’s elected members are women,” she said, adding that the party has also nominated 46 per cent women members in the Rajya Sabha.She said opposition to women’s reservation does not arise, but added that TMC was against the proposed delimitation exercise.“What we are fundamentally opposed to is the delimitation exercise that the Modi government was plotting to push through by using women as a shield for its vested political agenda,” she alleged.Also read: ‘Mentioned Congress 59 times, women barely,’ says Kharge, leads opposition charge on PM Modi’s speechThe West Bengal CM further accused the Centre of attempting to alter the federal balance through delimitation, calling it an “assault on federal democracy” and alleging that it could lead to “gerrymandering” that would favour BJP-ruled states.She questioned the timing of the legislation, asking why the government “waited nearly three years after the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill on September 28, 2023,” and why it was being pushed when several states were in the election cycle.“If this government was genuinely serious about this noble cause, why rush it through when several states are in election? And why couple it with delimitation?” she asked.Defending her opposition to the bill, Mamata further added the party had consistently stood for women’s empowerment and would continue to do so, but would not accept being “lectured on the subject.”Taking a direct swipe at the Prime Minister, she said he should address such matters from the floor of Parliament rather than through public addresses.“And Mr. Prime Minister, the next time you address the nation, have the courage to do so from the Floor of Parliament, where you are subject to scrutiny, challenge and accountability,” she said.In an another jab, she called the Prime Minister’s remarks “cowardly, hypocritical and fork-tongued,” adding, “That is all this was.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhat We Know About Indian Ships Hit In Hormuz Strait By Iran Gunboats And Unknown ProjectilePakistan Clears $2Bn UAE Debt As Saudi Extends $3Bn Deposit TermPakistan Army Chief Asim Munir Under US Scanner, Flagged As Risk For Trump Team’Our Relationship Very Strong’: Iran’s Abdul Majid On Hormuz Firing Incident On Indian VesselsCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began123PhotostoriesInside Anil Kumble’s crores worth Bangalore villa: A thoughtfully designed abode with lush gardens, sunlit interiors and family livingWhy whale vomit is worth millions for humans150-km road network, 46km of flyovers, underpasses: Delhi plans major push to ease traffic congestionSandra Bullock’s best movies to watch on OTT: ‘Speed’, ‘Bird Box’ and moreDhurandhar actor Ranveer Singh loves this spread innovated in the 1940s: Here are 6 ways you can enjoy it too7 key factors that define a ‘posh’ locality in the real estate marketStrong baby names inspired by the Sun8 refreshing fruits to eat this summer for a flatter bellyAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event
NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday called out PM Modi and said that it was “deeply unfortunate” that Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to “mislead the nation” over the women’s reservation bill.She also alleged that the Centre was attempting to push the delimitation exercise by “using women as a shield”. “It is deeply unfortunate that the Prime Minister chose to mislead the nation rather than address it honestly,” Mamata said in a long-message on X.Her remarks came a day after a bill to implement 33 per cent women’s reservation in legislatures by 2029 was defeated in the Lok Sabha. In an address to the nation on Saturday, Modi had warned the Congress and its allies that the women of India would “severely punish them” for the “sin of foeticide”.Mamata asserted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has always supported higher political representation for women, adding that the party currently has the highest proportion of female elected representatives in both Parliament and the state legislature. “In the Lok Sabha, 37.9 per cent of TMC’s elected members are women,” she said, adding that the party has also nominated 46 per cent women members in the Rajya Sabha.She said opposition to women’s reservation does not arise, but added that TMC was against the proposed delimitation exercise.“What we are fundamentally opposed to is the delimitation exercise that the Modi government was plotting to push through by using women as a shield for its vested political agenda,” she alleged.Also read: ‘Mentioned Congress 59 times, women barely,’ says Kharge, leads opposition charge on PM Modi’s speechThe West Bengal CM further accused the Centre of attempting to alter the federal balance through delimitation, calling it an “assault on federal democracy” and alleging that it could lead to “gerrymandering” that would favour BJP-ruled states.She questioned the timing of the legislation, asking why the government “waited nearly three years after the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill on September 28, 2023,” and why it was being pushed when several states were in the election cycle.“If this government was genuinely serious about this noble cause, why rush it through when several states are in election? And why couple it with delimitation?” she asked.Defending her opposition to the bill, Mamata further added the party had consistently stood for women’s empowerment and would continue to do so, but would not accept being “lectured on the subject.”Taking a direct swipe at the Prime Minister, she said he should address such matters from the floor of Parliament rather than through public addresses.“And Mr. Prime Minister, the next time you address the nation, have the courage to do so from the Floor of Parliament, where you are subject to scrutiny, challenge and accountability,” she said.In an another jab, she called the Prime Minister’s remarks “cowardly, hypocritical and fork-tongued,” adding, “That is all this was.”
