Name: Sirens Sounded In Chandigarh, Blackout Enforced
Uploaded: 2025-05-08T21:58:35.000+05:30
Duration: T01M10S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: Sirens Sounded In Chandigarh, Blackout Enforced

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Lok Sabha seats in southern states will rise significantly with total strength reaching 816, dismissing concerns over delimitation and confirming women’s reservation will be implemented from 2029.

Lok Sabha seats in southern states to increase from 129 to 195; up by 50%: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Lok Sabha seats in southern states will rise significantly with total strength reaching 816, dismissing concerns over delimitation and confirming women&rsquo;s reservation will be implemented from 2029.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday asserted that the Lok Sabha seats in five southern states will go up to 195 from the present 129, an increase of 50 per cent, when the total seats in the Lower House will be enhanced to 816, saying a false narrative is being spread to float misleading information.
Intervening in the debate in Lok Sabha on the three bills introduced for amendment of the women's quota law and to set up a delimitation commission, Shah also said the proposed women's reservation will be implemented only in 2029 and till then all polls will be conducted under the present system.
He said the number of Lok Sabha seats in the five southern states will go up from the present 129 to 195 seats while the percentage of power will increase from 23.76 per cent to 23.87 or almost 24 per cent.
"Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka will increase to 42 from the present 28; in Andhra Pradesh, the number of Lok Sabha sets will increase to 38 from 25; in Telangana, it will be 26 from present 17; in Tamil Nadu, the number of Lok Sabha seats will go up to 59 from the present 39; and in Kerala, it will be 30 seats from the present 20," he said.
According to the bill, the Lok Sabha seats will go up to a maximum of 850 but Shah explained that it was a rounded figure and the seats will remain at 816.
Explaining how the total number of seats in the new Lok Sabha is fixed at 816, the home minister said it is exactly 50 per cent more than the existing number of seats.
Shah strongly rejected the opposition's suggestion that the government will indulge in some kind of "mischief" during the delimitation exercise, saying the NDA government has not made any changes in the existing law.
"The delimitation bill is exactly like the previous law brought by your government. There is no change, not even a comma or a full stop," he said.
The home minister made it clear that all elections till 2029 parliamentary polls, including 2027 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, will be conducted under the present system as the women's reservation will be applicable only in 2029.
"Akhilesh ji, (SP chief Akhilesh Yadav) you don't need to worry even though you are not going to win the elections in Uttar Pradesh," he said.
He also rejected the suggestion that the women's reservation bill has been brought up eyeing the next week's West Bengal elections.
The home minister also said the Samajwadi Party members were saying that they would place the demand for a caste census but he would like to inform them that the government had already taken a decision to carry out the caste census and it would be carried out along with the population enumeration.
"Right now, the counting of households is underway and the households do not have any caste. If the Samajwadi Party had its way, it would determine the caste of households as well," he said.
The Lok Sabha on Thursday took up the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, for debate and passage.
According to the proposal, the strength of the Lok Sabha will be increased from the present 543 to 816, of which 272 seats will be reserved for women -- a total of 33 per cent.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticises Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath over his remarks on Noida workers’ protest, questions intelligence failure and handling of the situation, while the CM warns of a conspiracy and urges peace.

Noida protest: Akhilesh asks UP CM to step down if unable to manage state after 'conspiracy' remark

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticises Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath over his remarks on Noida workers&rsquo; protest, questions intelligence failure and handling of the situation, while the CM warns of a conspiracy and urges peace.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday questioned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his remarks linking the Noida workers' agitation to a conspiracy and said he should step down from his post if he was unable to manage the situation.
Yadav took to social media to attack the Adityanath dispensation and asked whether the state's intelligence machinery had failed if the agitation was indeed part of a conspiracy.
"If the honourable chief minister is calling the Noida workers' movement a conspiracy by someone, then the public has one question for you: if this is true, was your intelligence police accompanying you to campaign in Bengal, or was it engrossed in 'vanaspati' research (a sarcastic reference to intoxicants), or under its influence?" Yadav posted on X.
"Before tarnishing the workers' movement with allegations of Naxalism, you should first explain what you've done that has led to such conditions in the last 10 years. If you can't apply balm to the workers' wounds, then don't, but at least don't sprinkle salt on those wounds," he said.
The former UP chief minister claimed that families are already distressed due to the inflation born from "BJP's commission-driven dealings" and said, "The sin you're committing by piling on unwarranted blame is utterly reprehensible".
"This could make an already bad situation even worse. If you can't manage the state, then step down from this seat with dignity; otherwise, the public will throw you out," Yadav posted in Hindi.
He further alleged that the BJP leaders themselves are neck-deep in the final phase of corruption, which is why neither the country nor the state is being managed under them.
"The BJP's double engine has turned into a trouble engine for the public. The people will dismantle the wheels of all these engines, pull out the parts and send them to the scrapyard forever," he added.
His sharp remarks follow Adityanath's public event address in Muzaffarnagar where he appealed to workers to maintain peace and cautioned them against elements trying to incite unrest.
"Uttar Pradesh is progressing steadily but some people are conspiring against this growth," the chief minister said.
"I appeal to all the personnel employed in industrial units, as well as to the workers working with them, to recall how this 'double-engine' government stood by your side, something which you witnessed firsthand during the COVID-19 period," he said.
"The government stands firmly with the workers and will provide security to the entrepreneur while simultaneously offering protection to every single worker," Adityanath said while urging industrialists to maintain dialogue with employees.
He also said workers should "be wary of those who incite unrest" and highlighted the government's efforts to implement measures ensuring minimum honorarium and social security.
The political exchange follows unrest in Noida earlier in the day, where protests by factory workers demanding a wage hike turned violent in areas such as Phase-2, Sector 60, Sector 62 and Sector 84, with incidents of stone-pelting, arson and vandalism reported.
Police said the situation is under control with heavy deployment across industrial zones, and efforts are underway to restore normalcy, while the administration has announced measures including double overtime wages, weekly offs and bonuses to address workers' concerns.

Protests by industrial workers in Noida over wage hike demands turned violent, with vehicles torched and stone pelting reported. The unrest caused massive traffic disruptions across Delhi-Noida borders.

Factory workers' protest over wage hike turns violent in Noida, commuters stranded

Protests by industrial workers in Noida over wage hike demands turned violent, with vehicles torched and stone pelting reported. The unrest caused massive traffic disruptions across Delhi-Noida borders.

Vehicles, including police SUVs, were torched, public property vandalised and stone pelting reported from factory hubs in Noida as protests by workers demanding a wage hike turned violent on Monday.
The protests paralysed traffic, leaving thousands of commuters stranded on different roads leading to Delhi during the morning rush hour. Queues of vehicles stretching for several kilometres were seen at the Delhi-Noida border.
Officials said a large number of workers from various industrial units in Phase 2 and Sector 60 gathered in the morning to press their long-pending demand for salary revision and raised slogans.
They said the workers are demanding a wage hike on the lines of neighbouring Haryana, among other things.
Similar protests were also reported from Sector 62 and Sector 84, including at a Motherson company unit. Protesters also blocked the National Highway 9 &mdash; close to the Ghaziabad border and a key route connecting Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh.
The protests soon spiralled into violence, with some protesters vandalising property, pelting stones and setting vehicles on fire.
Adequate police deployment has been ensured across industrial zones under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate, the officials said.
Senior police and administrative officers are present on the ground to monitor the situation. A heavy police force was rushed to the affected areas to bring the situation under control, they said.
&ldquo;The situation is under control and being continuously monitored. Efforts are being made to counsel the workers and maintain peace. Minimum force is being used wherever necessary to maintain law and order,&rdquo; police said in a statement.
Authorities also appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours and assured that normalcy is being restored in the affected areas.
Gautam Buddh Nagar Additional Labour Commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi said the workers were primarily demanding a wage hike on the lines of neighbouring Haryana, along with basic facilities.
&ldquo;Workers demanded to increase salary likewise Haryana government has increased. Besides, there are other issues as well like overtime, food and others,&rdquo; he said.
On April 8, the Haryana government increased the minimum wage for unskilled workers to Rs 15,220 per month from Rs 11,274.60. The decision came into effect retrospectively from April 1.
Protesters said low wages and poor working conditions forced them to take to the streets.
A protester said that despite working 12-hour shifts, workers earn between Rs 11,000 and Rs 15,000, making it difficult to sustain a household.
Another protester, Nakul Singh, alleged that companies were not paying overtime in accordance with government norms, leading to resentment among workers.
A woman worker alleged irregularities in wage payments, saying workers are often made to sign for double shifts while being paid for a single duty.
&ldquo;Working conditions are often very difficult and need improvement,&rdquo; she said.
Another woman protester said workers&rsquo; incomes have not kept pace with rising inflation.
&ldquo;Everything is becoming expensive, but our salaries remain around Rs 11,000-12,000. They should be increased to at least Rs 20,000-25,000,&rdquo; she said.
The protesters also demanded an increase in minimum wages, stating that women working 12-hour shifts should be paid at least Rs 15,000 and men at least Rs 20,000 per month.
Asked if workers are aware of the benefits they are entitled to, a protester told reporters, &ldquo;We only get to know the rules which are put up by our companies at their gates, walls and notice boards.&rdquo; The violence erupted a day after the Uttar Pradesh government announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening labour welfare, including mandatory double overtime pay and timely wages for workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar.
District Magistrate Medha Roopam on Sunday held meetings with representatives of industrial units and issued key directives to safeguard workers&rsquo; rights.
She directed that workers willing to continue their jobs should not face any inconvenience and asked managements to maintain dialogue with employees in line with government norms.
She announced that workers would be paid overtime at double the standard rate without deductions and would be entitled to a weekly off. In case of work on Sundays, double wages would be paid, while bonuses would be provided as per rules.
The administration also directed industrial units to ensure CCTV cameras at factory gates remain functional and set up a control room to address workers&rsquo; grievances and maintain law and order.
The officials said industrial units and workers may report any issues they encounter to this control room via the telephone numbers 1202978231, 1202978232, 1202978862, and 1202978702, thereby ensuring prompt remedial action.
Security was tightened along Delhi&rsquo;s key entry points on Monday.
According to Delhi Police sources, several teams have been deployed at all motorable roads connecting Noida to different parts of the capital, particularly at major border points with Uttar Pradesh, to prevent any spillover of the unrest.
Senior officers said strict vigil is being maintained and thorough checking of vehicles is being carried out to ensure that no anti-social elements enter the city under the guise of the protest.
&ldquo;Delhi Police is fully alert and vigilant. Adequate force has been deployed at all strategic locations. No one will be allowed to breach law and order,&rdquo; a senior police officer said.
Barricading has been intensified at key border points and additional personnel, including rapid response teams, paramilitary forces, have been stationed to respond swiftly to any untoward incident.
Police officers said they are monitoring the situation and are in touch with their Uttar Pradesh counterparts.
The protests triggered widespread traffic snarls across Noida and Greater Noida, with key stretches such as Sector 62, National Highway 24, Sector 63 and the Chilla border witnessing severe congestion. Protesters blocked major routes connecting Sector 62 to Sector 16 and NH-9, prompting traffic police to divert vehicles and make efforts to ease movement.
Traffic police later said that movement was gradually being restored at key points, including the Chilla border and the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, while traffic flow from Sector 62 towards Golchakkar had resumed. Efforts were underway to normalise traffic at other affected locations.
An office-goer, Prashant Shukla, said he was stuck at the DND flyover for hours while heading to Delhi.
&ldquo;Vehicles were not able to move due to heavy traffic jams caused by the workers&rsquo; protest. It took me nearly two hours to reach office,&rdquo; he said.
Another commuter from Greater Noida said multiple areas, including Sector 62, Phase 2, the Chilla border, and National Highways 24 and 9, were severely affected.
&ldquo;The entire stretch from Noida Sector 62 towards Sector 51 was impacted, and office-goers were stuck in their vehicles,&rdquo; he said.
Traffic congestion was also reported from Dadri Main Road, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Phase 2 industrial area, and sectors 16, 18, 63 and 64, among other locations.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah calls electoral roll revision a key issue in West Bengal polls, accuses Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee of political violence, and expresses confidence in BJP forming the next government.

SIR 'major issue' for Bengal polls, people firm on throwing infiltrators out of state: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah calls electoral roll revision a key issue in West Bengal polls, accuses Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee of political violence, and expresses confidence in BJP forming the next government.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the SIR of electoral rolls is a "major issue" in the upcoming West Bengal assembly polls, and stated that the people have resolved to throw infiltrators out of the state.
Speaking to PTI Videos at his roadshow in Paschim Bardhaman district's Durgapur, Shah said the responsibility for the political violence in Bengal lies only with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, who is the TMC's general secretary.
"SIR is indeed a major issue for West Bengal. Should there be foreign voters in this country? India is not a charitable home. Infiltrators must be thrown out. No matter what Mamata Banerjee says, people have resolved to remove infiltrators from the state this time," he said.
The Union Home Minister said the BJP would definitely form a government in Bengal after the polls.
"There is only one state left in the country where political violence is most commonplace, and the responsibility for that lies only with Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee," Shah said.
Pointing to the huge crowd lined up on the streets during the roadshow, he said, "Look at the attendance of people. TMC goons will not even be able to leave their homes on the days of polls this time around."

AAP claims its workers and leaders are being detained and arrested by police in Gujarat as the party expands its presence ahead of local body elections, alleging political pressure by the BJP.

AAP accuses BJP of detaining workers in Gujarat ahead of local polls

AAP claims its workers and leaders are being detained and arrested by police in Gujarat as the party expands its presence ahead of local body elections, alleging political pressure by the BJP.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Gujarat has alleged that its workers, leaders, and candidates are being detained by police amid the party&rsquo;s growing presence in the state, ahead of upcoming local self-government elections.
Addressing the issue in a video statement, Gujarat AAP State President Isudan Gadhvi claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is &ldquo;so rattled&rdquo; by the party&rsquo;s expansion that &ldquo;without any reason, Aam Aadmi Party workers, leaders, and candidates are being detained by the police.&rdquo; He further alleged that &ldquo;more than one and a half hundred workers have been booked under FIRs and have been arrested.&rdquo;
Referring to a recent incident, Gadhvi said that Saurashtra Zone President Prakashbhai Donga &ldquo;was also arrested during the process of filing the nomination form.&rdquo; He questioned the basis of such actions, asking, &ldquo;What is the crime of the Aam Aadmi Party? Is becoming the voice of the people of Gujarat a crime? Is raising voice for farmers, the poor, the deprived and the oppressed a crime?&rdquo; He added, &ldquo;If that is a crime, then we are ready to face the punishment.&rdquo;
Gadhvi also appealed to voters, stating that in the upcoming elections, &ldquo;attempts will be made to intimidate and threaten the candidates,&rdquo; but asserted that the party &ldquo;will not be afraid and will continue the fight strongly.&rdquo; He urged voters that &ldquo;when you go to the booth on the day of voting, do not forget the broom button,&rdquo; calling it &ldquo;a symbol of prosperity and good governance of Gujarat and a symbol of giving strong support to those who are fighting.&rdquo;

Voting concluded across all 126 Assam constituencies with a record turnout of over 85%, surpassing 2021 figures, as BJP-led NDA and Congress gear up for a high-stakes electoral battle.

Assam records 85.21 pc polling, CM says high voter turnout 'not ordinary but historic'

Voting concluded across all 126 Assam constituencies with a record turnout of over 85%, surpassing 2021 figures, as BJP-led NDA and Congress gear up for a high-stakes electoral battle.

Polling for all 126 Assam assembly constituencies ended at 5 pm on Thursday, with an estimated voter turnout of 85.21 per cent, surpassing the previous figure of 82.04 per cent in the 2021 elections, officials said.
The polling percentage was expected to rise further as people who had entered the booths before 5 pm would be allowed to vote, they said.
The poll percentage in 16 constituencies, mostly in minority-dominated areas, have already crossed the 90-per cent mark, while 83 constituencies are in the range of 80-89 per cent and the remainder in the 70-79 per cent category, the officials said.
Dalgaon recorded the highest voter turnout at 95.53 per cent, while New Guwahati registered the lowest at 72.05 per cent, they said.
A total of 722 candidates are in the fray for the elections, which is largely witnessing a direct contest between the BJP-led ruling coalition and the opposition bloc helmed by the Congress.
The BJP-led NDA is seeking a third consecutive term in power in Assam, while the Congress is striving to reclaim a state it lost a decade ago.
Altogether, 2.50 crore people were eligible to exercise their franchise, including 1.25 crore women and 318 from the third gender. Voting was held in 31,490 polling stations across the state.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the high voter turnout as ''not ordinary but historic".
Sarma said the result of this election is &ldquo;already visible &ndash; in the hope, pride, and happiness on the faces of our people&rdquo;.
&ldquo;What we set out to do was not merely fight an election, but to turn it into a movement &ndash; a movement to protect our civilisational values, our culture, and our land,&rdquo; he said in a post on X.
&ldquo;Today, for the first time, our people have come out in unprecedented numbers &ndash; voting shoulder to shoulder, matching and even surpassing our opponents in turnout. In many polling booths, participation is crossing 95 per cent. This is not ordinary. This is historic,&rdquo; the CM asserted.
Sarma said Assam has risen above language and caste, and "our people have voted with one clear resolve &ndash; to protect our land, our identity, and our culture from illegal infiltration and demographic aggression".
&ldquo;This is not just an election. This is a watershed moment in Assam&rsquo;s history,&rdquo; he said.
Sarma added that the message is loud and clear: ''Assam will not surrender, Assam will fight, Assam will survive, Assam will endure.''
Assam Pradesh Congress President Gaurav Gogoi, in a statement, thanked the people for turning out in unprecedented numbers to vote for a &ldquo;change&rdquo; in the state.
The people of Assam voted with the hope of a "New Bor-Asom" (New and Greater Assam) and new leadership, Gogoi said.
''It is now the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure the security of the EVMs and to conduct an accurate vote count on May 4," he said.
Voting began at 7 am and was held in 31,490 polling stations across the state's 35 districts.
Among the heavyweight candidates are Sarma, Gogoi, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi.
The Congress has fielded the highest number of candidates at 99, followed by the BJP with 90. The AIUDF has 30 candidates, while NDA constituents Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) are contesting 26 and 11 seats, respectively.
In the opposition bloc, the Raijor Dal is contesting 13 seats, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) 10, CPI(M) three and the APHLC two. Other parties in the fray include AAP (18), UPPL (18), TMC (22), JMM (16), besides 258 Independents.
Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel expressed gratitude to all for their active participation and cooperation, &ldquo;which contributed significantly to the successful conduct of polling&rdquo;.
The presence of a large number of people at polling booths even after 5 pm reflects the public awareness and enthusiasm towards voting, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Mamata Banerjee-led TMC of fostering “syndicate Raj” and illegal coal mining in West Bengal, promising a crackdown and development push if BJP comes to power.

Will abolish TMC’s mafia Raj weighing heavily on people: PM Modi in Asansol industrial hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Mamata Banerjee-led TMC of fostering &ldquo;syndicate Raj&rdquo; and illegal coal mining in West Bengal, promising a crackdown and development push if BJP comes to power.

Assuring abolition of &ldquo;cut-money culture and syndicate Raj of the TMC&rdquo; in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday alleged that mafia Raj spanning across illegal extraction of coal and sand has cast a stranglehold on the people of the state.
Addressing a rally at the Polo Grounds in Asansol in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, Modi also alleged that black marketing of illegal coal extracted from the region, which serves as the state&rsquo;s coal belt, has reached unprecedented levels under the Mamata Banerjee regime.
This was Modi&rsquo;s second election rally of the day after his first at Purba Medinipur&rsquo;s port city of Haldia, where he announced six guarantees for Bengal if the BJP wins the Assembly polls and sought the ouster of the "'nirmam'" (cruel) TMC government, accusing it of "setting new parameters of development debacle and pulling the state back".
&ldquo;The coal belt of Asansol is now ruled by TMC&rsquo;s syndicate Raj. Those involved in illegal coal, sand and soil extraction have cast their stranglehold on people,&rdquo; Modi said to the large gathering from Asansol, considered to be an industrial hub and known for its premium coal production and mining activities.
Asserting that a regime change in West Bengal was inevitable as the TMC's "repository of sins" had become full, Modi advocated for a Trinamool-mukt Bengal to ensure its progress and development.
&ldquo;The Trinamool&rsquo;s repository of sins is full. Bengal is yearning for a double-engine government. Following May 4, the state will enter into a new era of development,&rdquo; the PM said, referring to the date of counting of votes.
Beginning his speech by invoking local deities, Goddesses Kalyaneshwari and Ghagar Buri Chandi, Modi moved on to highlight the state&rsquo;s &ldquo;industrial and economic decadence&rdquo; stating that Bengal&rsquo;s contribution in national GDP has slid to mere five per cent from 12 per cent earlier.
"A regime change in Bengal is now cast in stone and sought by the people of Asansol like in all other parts of the state," the Prime Minister said, adding, &ldquo;This is not merely an election to change the government, it&rsquo;s an opportunity to return industrial prowess to Asansol.&rdquo;
Modi referred to the once thriving industrial belt in Asansol where manufacturing units cutting across premium products held base, and said, &ldquo;Investment has taken flight from Asansol&rsquo;s industrial landscape. Only the BJP's double-engine government can help rectify the void.&rdquo;
He said the Centre allocated Rs 45,000 crore for the revival of industries in Asansol.
Modi stressed that both Asansol and Durgapur reserved the potential to become megacities, and assured the people that the BJP-led NDA government will bring that development once in state power.
The PM alleged, "The TMC has only given 'nirmamta' (cruelty) to the region, while the BJP-led Centre has developed Asansol despite hurdles created by the state&rsquo;s ruling party."
Speaking of the alleged rise in cases of crimes against women in the industrial region, Modi claimed that Bengal topped the country in cases of acid attacks.
&ldquo;The TMC stands with those who torture women. The criminals enjoy ruling party patronage and are moving around freely. Only the BJP can ensure women's safety," he said.
Modi insisted that &ldquo;rule of law&rdquo; will be established in Bengal after the &ldquo;TMC is ousted from power on May 4&rdquo;.
&ldquo;Every TMC goon will be picked up and held to task. My mantra for those who looted and destroyed Bengal is brace for accountability because each and every culprit will be made to pay,&rdquo; he said.
The Prime Minister also drew the crowd&rsquo;s attention to the Malda gherao of judicial officers last week and subsequent violence in Mothabari over disgruntlement over SIR deletions, stating the incident dealt &ldquo;the last nail in the coffin of Trinamool&rsquo;s jungalraj&rdquo;.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expresses regret over his controversial remark on Gujarat, saying it was misinterpreted, as BJP leaders demand an apology and seek clarification from top Congress leadership.Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expresse

Kharge expresses regret over 'illiterate' remark, says he has highest of respect for Gujaratis

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expresses regret over his controversial remark on Gujarat, saying it was misinterpreted, as BJP leaders demand an apology and seek clarification from top Congress leadership.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expresses regret over his controversial remark on Gujarat, saying it was misinterpreted, as BJP leaders demand an apology and seek clarification from top Congress leadership.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday expressed regret over his controversial statement calling the people of Gujarat "illiterate", and said he has always had and will continue to have the highest of respect for the people of the state.
In a post on X, the Congress president said, "Some remarks of mine in a recent election speech in Kerala are being deliberately misinterpreted. Even so, I express my sincere regret.
"It was never my intention to hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat for whom I have always had and will continue to have the highest of respect."
Kharge on Sunday had sparked a row during his Assembly poll campaign in Kerala, calling the people of Gujarat "illiterate" and claiming they were being "fooled" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At the same time, Kharge said neither Modi nor Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan could fool the people of Kerala, describing them as "very clever and educated".
"Don&rsquo;t misguide the people of Kerala. They are very clever and educated. Modiji, Vijayan, you both can fool people who are illiterate in Gujarat or other places, but you cannot fool the people of Kerala," the Congress chief had said.
He made the remark while alleging that both Modi and Vijayan were following the same path, with no difference between them except the parties they lead.
The BJP on Tuesday had demanded an apology from Kharge for his remarks, saying that the comment was "shameless, demeaning and utterly despicable."
Addressing a press conference here, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asked Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to clarify whether they agreed with Kharge's statement.

BJP lodges police and Election Commission complaints against Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging hate speech and inflammatory remarks during an election rally in Assam.

Assam BJP files complaints against Kharge with police, EC over 'hate' speech

BJP lodges police and Election Commission complaints against Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging hate speech and inflammatory remarks during an election rally in Assam.

The BJP on Tuesday said it has filed complaints with Assam Police and the Election Commission against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for his alleged hate speech at an election rally in the state.
Assam BJP spokesperson Pranjal Kalita, in a statement, said while Congress leaders repeatedly claim to uphold the Constitution, their actions "blatantly contradict the very spirit of constitutional freedom and respect for all faiths".
He said one complaint has been filed at the Basistha police station in Guwahati, and another was lodged with the poll panel.
Kalita said that the "recent demand by Kharge to ban RSS-BJP not only reflects political intolerance but also exposes the intellectual bankruptcy within the party's top leadership".
"The Assam Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party strongly condemns the deeply offensive and irresponsible remarks made during an election rally on April 6 at Nilambazar in Sribhumi district, which amounted to an outright insult to Hindu beliefs and traditions," he added.
Such statements are not only condemnable, but also "dangerous for social harmony", Kalita said.
He also alleged that the Congress is deliberately attempting to "undermine 'Sanatan' culture", while projecting "other religions in a superior light", solely to gain political mileage.
This divisive approach has already been rejected by the people of Assam and the nation at large, he claimed.
"Taking serious note of this provocative and divisive rhetoric, the Assam BJP has lodged a formal FIR at Basistha Police Station in Guwahati and has also submitted a complaint before the Election Commission," Kalita said.
The ruling party has demanded immediate legal action against Kharge for allegedly spreading inflammatory and socially disruptive statements during the election campaign, he added.
Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly will be held on April 9. Votes will be counted on May 4.
During an election rally in Assam's Sribhumi district on Monday, Kharge citing the Quran, said that if a poisonous snake is passing in front of someone, even if he is offering namaz, then he should leave the namaz and kill that poisonous snake.
"I would say that breaking the namaz does not matter. The RSS and the BJP are that poisonous snake. If you don't kill this snake, you will not survive," he said.
In the police complaint, filed by BJP Social Media In-Charge Ranjib Kumar Sarmah, the ruling party alleged that Kharge made "derogatory statements" describing the ideology of BJP and RSS as "poisonous for the society".
It claimed that the Congress chief labelled that organisations as "poisonous snake" and called for elimination of the BJP.
"This statement is hurting all the members of Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr Kharge is willing to promote enmity and wants to breach public peace and harmony in our society," the BJP complaint said.
Kharge's statement may lead to "communal clashes" between the indigenous communities of Assam, it added.
"Therefore, it is our humble request to take legal actions against the maker of the statement i.e. Mr Kharge as expeditiously as possible," Sarmah said in his complaint.
In his press release, Kalita asserted that in a desperate attempt to "appease a particular vote bank", the Congress party has "stooped to the extent of targeting the sacred symbols of Sanatan civilization".
"Sanatan civilization has always revered nature and its elements, including animals and living beings, as sacred. However, in a calculated attempt to polarize voters, Congress has tried to portray even the sacred ornaments of Lord Shiva as harmful, thereby hurting the sentiments of millions of devotees," he added.
The BJP will not tolerate any attempt to hurt religious sentiments, disturb social harmony or misuse electoral platforms for divisive propaganda, and strict action must be taken in accordance with the law, Kalita said.

AAP announces Manoj Sorathiya as Surat candidate for local polls, with Isudan Gadhvi citing growing public support and focus on strong, experienced leadership.

AAP fields Manoj Sorathiya as candidate for Surat civic polls, cites positive public response

AAP announces Manoj Sorathiya as Surat candidate for local polls, with Isudan Gadhvi citing growing public support and focus on strong, experienced leadership.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced its Organization General Secretary Manoj Sorathiya as a candidate from Surat for the upcoming local self-government elections in Gujarat.
In a video statement, AAP Gujarat president Isudan Gadhvi said the party has been receiving a positive response from the public as it rolls out its list of candidates. He stated that the party is contesting the elections with strong determination and claimed that its role as an opposition over the past five years has contributed to growing public trust.
Gadhvi said that following the announcement of the party&rsquo;s initial list, AAP received numerous calls from Surat residents expressing support and urging the party to field strong candidates for the civic polls. According to him, there has been a demand from supporters to see an AAP mayor in Surat.
He added that the party leadership, including Arvind Kejriwal and the state unit, decided to field Sorathiya in response to these demands. Gadhvi described Sorathiya as an experienced organisational leader who has been associated with the party since 2012 and has played a role in strengthening it despite challenges.
Highlighting the party&rsquo;s candidate selection approach, Gadhvi said AAP is focusing on individuals who are educated and actively engaged in public work.
Referring to the party&rsquo;s performance in Surat, he said AAP has raised several public issues during its time in the opposition and would aim to improve governance if voted to power.

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Sirens Sounded In Chandigarh, Blackout Enforced

Sirens Sounded In Chandigarh, Blackout Enforced

Amid a missile and drone attack by Pakistan in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and shelling in Punjab's Pathankot, sirens have been sounded in Chandigarh and a blackout has been enforced. Shops have been asked to close and people have been asked to go home.
A blackout has been enforced in neighbouring Mohali as well. &nbsp;

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge intensified his attack on PM Narendra Modi, alleging misuse of central agencies to target opposition parties. He clarified his “terrorist” remark, saying he meant the PM was “terrorising” democratic institutions.

Mallikarjun Kharge calls PM Modi a 'terrorist', later clarifies his remarks

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge intensified his attack on PM Narendra Modi, alleging misuse of central agencies to target opposition parties. He clarified his &ldquo;terrorist&rdquo; remark, saying he meant the PM was &ldquo;terrorising&rdquo; democratic institutions.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of "terrorising" political parties and people by misusing government machinery and central agencies to stifle the opposition.
Addressing a press conference here alongside AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, Kharge initially referred to the Prime Minister as a "terrorist" while criticising the AIADMK's alliance with the BJP.
Questioning how the AIADMK -- a party rooted in the Dravidian ideologies of Periyar (EV Ramasamy) and C N Annadurai -- could justify partnering with PM Modi, Kharge said: "How these AIADMK people, who themselves put the photo of Annadurai... how can they join with Modi? He is a terrorist... he doesn't believe in equality. His party won't believe in equality and justice. And these people are joining with them, it means that they are weakening democracy."
However, when pressed by reporters to clarify the context of the "terrorist" remark, the Congress chief stated he meant the Prime Minister was "terrorising" the democratic fabric of the country.
"He is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist (in the literal sense). Terrorising this... he is misusing his power and government machinery and abusing, malingning opposition parties," Kharge said.
He cited the alleged manipulation of voter lists through "pro form number six and seven" as evidence of this misuse, further alleging that the Prime Minister has the Chief Election Commissioner "in his pocket."
The Congress chief alleged that the Election Commission has become an "extension of the BJP office" and accused PM Modi of violating the Model Code of Conduct in the final stages of the election campaign.
He further claimed that central agencies like the CBI, ED, and Income Tax department were being deployed as tools of intimidation against political workers.
Kharge questioned the timing of recent raids, asking, "Why now only raids taking place during the election. That too against select people, select parties."
Reaffirming the strength of the DMK-Congress alliance, both Kharge and Venugopal dismissed reports of a rift between Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, describing them as "like brothers".
Kharge pointed to Gandhi's extensive "Kanyakumari to Kashmir" and "Manipur to Mumbai" marches as proof of a commitment that surpasses any other leader, dismissing rumours of a rift as "media creation."
"We have a legacy of having an alliance with the DMK for the last so many years," Venugopal added, noting that the two parties "stood like a rock" when the special session was called to "prevent" Tamil Nadu MPs from attending, in an apparent reference to last week's special sitting of Lok Sabha.
He, however, said that Congress and DMK are two different parties with their "own ambitions".
"But whenever the nation was in crisis, we stood like a rock. DMK always supported Congress, Congress always supported DMK," the Alappuzha MP said.
Replying to a question about the Women's Reservation Bill, Kharge accused the Prime Minister of "misleading" the public.
He noted that while the opposition supported the bill in 2023, the government has tied its implementation to a future census and delimitation -- a move he described as a "trap" for progressive states.
"If he truly intends to implement it, he can provide 33 per cent reservation to women within the existing 543 [seats]... Why is he not giving? He only notified the 2023 bill at 3 am on the 16th (of April), which shows his real intentions," Kharge argued.
Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act, 2023) was passed in September 2023.
However, it was not "self-executing".
It contained a clause stating it would only come into force on a date appointed by the Central Government.
On April 16, the government introduced the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, proposing 850 Lok Sabha seats, which also linked women's reservation to the expansion.
However, as the 2023 Act had never been formally notified, the government could not technically move the 2026 amendments to it.
Consequently, the Ministry of Law &amp; Justice issued a gazette notification late at night on April 16, around 9.55 pm.
Furthermore, Kharge challenged the government's legislative strategy, asking why a Constitutional Amendment -- which usually requires a two-thirds majority -- was being pursued with a simple majority.
Venugopal added that the government is attempting to undermine Article 82, which provides a "safety cover" for states' parliamentary representation, by shifting that power to the Delimitation Commission.
He warned that the government's plan for delimitation would "punish" progressive states, particularly in south India, for their success in population control.
"Our population has gone down... can you punish us for following the program of the government," he asked, noting that states with exploding populations would unfairly gain seats.
"They intended to deny the democratic rights of south Indian states, north eastern states, and progressive states. Modi and (Union Home minister Amit) Shah want to punish these states for their progress," he added.
On the campaign trail, Kharge dismissed the influence of other parties, including TVK chief Vijay, reaffirming that the Congress-DMK alliance is the only force capable of protecting Tamil Nadu's identity.
He reiterated the alliance's "key commitments" for the state, including Rs 2,000 monthly assistance for women and senior citizens, Rs 2,500 monthly for families for food security, and a promise to fill all government vacancies within 300 days.

The BJP hit out at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge for calling PM Narendra Modi a “terrorist,” rejecting his clarification and alleging it was a deliberate attack influenced by Rahul Gandhi.

Congress abusing PM Modi because he wants women's quota: BJP slams Kharge's 'terrorist' remark

The BJP hit out at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge for calling PM Narendra Modi a &ldquo;terrorist,&rdquo; rejecting his clarification and alleging it was a deliberate attack influenced by Rahul Gandhi.

The BJP on Tuesday condemned Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "terrorist", saying this reflects the mindset of the main opposition party and people will give them a befitting reply.
The ruling party claimed that Kharge has made such disparaging remarks against Modi at the behest of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi because the prime minister wanted to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
The BJP's reaction came after Kharge accused Prime Minister Modi of terrorising political parties and people by misusing government machinery and central agencies to stifle the opposition.
Addressing a press conference in Chennai alongside AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, Kharge initially referred to the prime minister as a "terrorist" while criticising the AIADMK's alliance with the BJP.
However, when pressed by reporters to clarify the context of the remark, the Congress chief said he meant the prime minister was "terrorising" the democratic fabric of the country.
"He is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist (in the literal sense). Terrorising this... he is misusing his power and government machinery and abusing opposition parties," the Congress president said.
Reacting sharply to Kharge's remarks, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "The kind of words Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has chosen for Prime Minister Narendra Modi today is not only condemnable but reflects the mindset of the Congress party. Kharge called him a terrorist."
Patra rejected Kharge's clarification and alleged that the Congress president deliberately called the prime minister a terrorist at the behest of Rahul Gandhi.
"This is not a slip of tongue. It's deliberate. Even though they are giving any clarification, it is a deliberate conspiracy of the Congress," the BJP MP said in a video message.
"You must be observing that for the last few days how Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders are making indecent remarks against the prime minister. Every day Rahul Gandhi in his speech refers to the prime minister in a disrespectful manner," the BJP leader said.
Patra also alleged that the Congress leaders keep abusing the prime minister because his government is providing water to every household, houses and free ration to people under various schemes.
They have also been abusing PM Modi because his government is implementing various other welfare schemes like Mudra Yojna, the BJP leader said.
He said that the Congress president has now called the prime minister a "terrorist" just because he wanted 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
"This is the same Congress party which used to address Osama bin Laden as Osama ji and is seen standing with big terrorists but calls Prime Minister Narendra Modi a terrorist. This the same Congress party which had described Zakir Naik 'apostle of peace' but calls the prime minister a terrorist," Patra said.
"The Congress leaders must remember that whenever they have abused the prime minister, people of India have punished the Congress party. This time also they will give befitting reply," he added.

A major fire erupted near the crude distillation unit of the newly built HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Balotra, just a day before its scheduled inauguration by PM Narendra Modi. The event has been postponed as authorities investigate the cause of the bl

Fire at Rajasthan refinery a day before inauguration by PM Modi, programme postponed

A major fire erupted near the crude distillation unit of the newly built HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Balotra, just a day before its scheduled inauguration by PM Narendra Modi. The event has been postponed as authorities investigate the cause of the blaze.

A major fire erupted near the crude distillation unit of the newly built HPCL Rajasthan Refinery in Balotra, just a day before its scheduled inauguration by PM Narendra Modi. The event has been postponed as authorities investigate the cause of the blaze.

A major fire broke out near the main unit of the newly built Rs 79,450-crore Rajasthan refinery of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) on Monday, a day before the scheduled inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;
Thick columns of black smoke emitted from the fire that broke out near the crude distillation unit -- the primary or front-end unit that is often referred to as the heart of an oil refinery.&nbsp;
The blaze at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd (HRRL) refinery was doused in about two hours, with no reported casualties, officials said.
But the Prime Minister's event to dedicate to the nation the 9 million tonnes a year oil refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra in Balotra district of Rajasthan, which was scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed.&nbsp;
The Union Petroleum Ministry in a post on X announced the postponement of the event and said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire and implement corrective measures.
Refineries worldwide are highly susceptible to fires, explosions, and catastrophic failures during the commissioning and startup phases, as this period involves introducing hydrocarbons into new or maintained high-pressure, high-temperature systems. For this reason, inauguration ceremonies are performed after all units (a refinery typically as several units that turn crude oil pumped out of ground or below seabed into fuels like petrol and diesel at high temperatures) are safely commissioned and operations stabalised.
The refinery project was scheduled to begin commercial operations from July 1, according to a Government of India statement issued on April 8 announcing approval of the Union Cabinet to enhance the cost of the project.
This is not the first time a fire broke out at a refinery under commissioning. On January 30, 2016, a major fire broke out at Indian Oil Corporation's (IOC) Paradip refinery's atmospheric vacuum unit (AVU), just over a week before its scheduled inauguration by Prime Minister Modi on February 7, 2016. No injuries were reported even then. No reasons were assigned for the fire at Rajasthan project on Monday.
"Due to an unfortunate fire incident today in the vicinity of the Crude Distillation Unit at the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) refinery, the scheduled dedication of the refinery by the Prime Minister on 21.04.2026 has been postponed. The fire has been brought under control. There are no reports of any casualties," the ministry said in a post on X. A revised date for the inauguration will be announced in due course, it added.
The Rajasthan refinery will be India's 24th and the second most complex unit yet in India. The refinery-cum-petrochemical complex, located in Rajasthan's Balotra district, is designed as a 9 million tonnes per annum facility with a strong petrochemical focus, reflecting India's strategy to boost value-added output and reduce import dependence.&nbsp;
It features a Nelson Complexity Index of 17 and petrochemical yields exceeding 26 per cent, aligning with global benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability, according to an official statement.
Refinery complexity -- often measured by the Nelson Complexity Index -- indicates the capability to handle heavier, dirtier crude oil (which is cheaper) and turn it into high-value products like gasoline and diesel. Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat is the world's most complex and largest refinery, featuring a complexity index of 21.1 and the capability to process over 216 different crude oil grades.&nbsp;
It is designed to convert low-value heavy/sour crude into high-value fuels, processing 1.24-1.4 million barrels per day (Rajasthan refinery has a processing capacity of 180,000 barrels per day).
HRRL is a joint venture between HPCL, which holds a 74 per cent stake, and the Government of Rajasthan with the remaining 26 per cent. Once operational, the complex will produce fuels, including petrol and diesel, along with petrochemicals such as polypropylene, polyethylene variants and key industrial chemicals like benzene and butadiene. These products are widely used across sectors ranging from transportation and packaging to pharmaceuticals and construction.
The project is expected to play a key role in improving India's energy security by processing domestically produced crude, including supplies from the Mangala fields in Rajasthan, while helping cut reliance on imported petrochemicals. It also aligns with New Delhi's broader push to position the country as a regional refining and manufacturing hub.
The opposition Congress alleged that the incident showed "safety lapses". "The Pachpadra refinery is a matter of pride for all Rajasthanis. The incident at such a time is extremely unfortunate. I pray for everyone's safety," former chief minister Ashok Gehlot said.
Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Tika Ram Jully termed the incident "serious and concerning" and questioned the state government's preparedness ahead of the high-profile event. He alleged that the incident pointed to lapses in safety and accused the government of rushing the arrangements for the event. He also said there were "delays" in the project's execution.
"This landmark project, with an investment of more than Rs 79,450 crore, represents a significant milestone in India's energy and petrochemical sector," an official statement said earlier.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took a swipe at Amit Shah’s “political shrewdness” during a Lok Sabha debate, accusing the government of undermining democracy and sidelining OBC rights while pushing women’s reservation.

If Chankaya was alive, he would've been startled by your political shrewdness: Priyanka to Amit Shah

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took a swipe at Amit Shah&rsquo;s &ldquo;political shrewdness&rdquo; during a Lok Sabha debate, accusing the government of undermining democracy and sidelining OBC rights while pushing women&rsquo;s reservation.

In friendly banter, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday told Home Minister Amit Shah that had Chankaya been alive today, he would have been startled by the BJP leader's "political shrewdness".
Participating in a debate in the Lok Sabha on three bills introduced for amendments to the women's quota law and setting up a delimitation commission, Priyanka Gandhi accused the government of once again wanting to "dupe" people and launching a "big attack on the country's integrity&rdquo;.
"On the one hand there is this big talk of women's reservation, and on the other hand, the rights of OBCs are being taken away. A strong structure is being erected for the next polls by reducing the influence of small states, shredding democracy to pieces," Priyanka Gandhi alleged.
"The home minister is laughing&hellip; He has made this full scheme. Had Chankaya been alive, he would have been startled by your political shrewdness (&lsquo;rajnaitik kutilta&rsquo;). He (Shah) made the whole plan, and he is laughing now&hellip; He agrees with me," the Wayanad MP said.
Hitting out at the government, she claimed the plan involved calling a sitting of Parliament during elections, not calling an all-party meeting, sharing the draft of the bill just a day before the sitting so that the opposition does not get a chance to deliberate on it, starting a discussion in media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to take a big step for women's empowerment and put the opposition in a bind.
"Women's reservation on one hand, and independence to change the structure and neglect the OBC section on the other. It is one thing to be shrewd in politics, and probably we should be a bit more shrewd on this side of the aisle, but it&rsquo;s another thing to take the right decision in national interest, keeping aside the aspirations to remain in power," Priyanka Gandhi said.
In her remarks, she also took a swipe at Prime Minister Modi, saying that from his remarks, it appeared as though the BJP is the sole champion of women's reservation.
"Any woman will tell you that women can instantly spot men who repeatedly try to mislead them," she said.
Giving a background to women's reservation in legislative bodies, the Congress MP said, "When the Women's Reservation Bill was passed in 2023, the Congress extended its full support to it, in alignment with its core ideology. There should be no doubt whatsoever that the Congress stands firmly in favour of women's reservation.&rdquo;
Taking a dig at the government, she said the story began with a man named Nehru "but not the one you try to avoid".
"Motilal Nehru Ji prepared a report in 1928, which he submitted to the Congress Working Committee. Motilal Nehru Ji was the chairman of a committee, and at that time, he prepared a list of 19 fundamental rights.&ldquo;
"In 1931, under the chairmanship of Sardar (Vallabhbhai) Patel Ji, the Karachi session was held, in which this resolution was passed. It was then that the issue of equal rights for women was included in India's politics," she said.
&ldquo;At the same time, the principle of 'One Vote, One Citizen, One Value' was implemented in our politics,&rdquo; Priyanka Gandhi said, adding that due to this principle, women got the right to vote from the very first day of Independence.
&ldquo;In countries like America, women had to wait 150 years for this right,&rdquo; she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said no state will face discrimination in delimitation and reaffirmed women’s reservation will be implemented in 2029, urging parties to avoid politicising the issue.

No state, be it north or south will be discriminated against in delimitation exercise: PM in Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said no state will face discrimination in delimitation and reaffirmed women&rsquo;s reservation will be implemented in 2029, urging parties to avoid politicising the issue.

No state -- big or small, north or south, east or west -- will be discriminated against in the delimitation of constituencies linked with the implementation of women quota law, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Thursday while strongly backing implementation of the reservation in 2029 and warned that those who oppose this initiative will not be forgiven by the women of the country.
Intervening in the debate in Lok Sabha on the three bills introduced for amendment of the women's quota law and to set up a delimitation commission, Modi also said if any political party opposes the women quota law, it is quite natural that he (Modi) would be politically benefited.
"Here, some people think that there is political self-interest of Modi in this move. If you oppose it, it's natural I will gain political benefit, but if you walk along, no one will gain any political advantage. We don't want credit," he said.
Allaying fears of some states over the delimitation exercise, particularly those from the southern and eastern regions, the prime minister said no state will be discriminated against under the move.
"I want to say from this House today with a great sense of responsibility that whether it is the south, the north, the east, the west, small states or big states, this decision making process will not discriminate against any state or do injustice to anyone," he said.
Modi also made it clear that the proportion of Lok Sabha seats in any state will not come down as a result of the delimitation exercise.
"There will be no change in that proportion (of Lok Sabha seats) either, and the increase will also be in the same proportion," he said.
The prime minister said no one should remain under the illusion that they are giving something to the women of this country as reservation in legislatures is their right.
As the mother of democracy, he said it is India's cultural commitment that women are given their due right.
"It is because of this commitment that we are moving forward. Let us not remain in the illusion that we are giving something to the country's women, no way. It is their right," he said.
Modi also said the ruling dispensation does not want credit for implementation of the women reservation law in 2029 and offered to give credit to the opposition.
"We don't want credit. I give you a blank cheque for claiming credit on passage of women quota bill. If you want me to use the word 'guarantee', I use the word 'guarantee'. If you want me to make a promise, I use the word 'promise'. Because if the intention is clear, there is no need to play games with words," he said.
He said those who had opposed in giving this right to women in the past have not been forgiven by the women of this country, they have faced the consequences.
"Today, I have come to appeal to you that do not weigh this on political scales. This is a decision in the national interest. The women across the country and the world are watching us, will see our decisions. But more than the decision itself, they will judge our intent. If there is any flaw in our intent, the women of this country will never forgive," he said.
Modi said when Parliament was discussing the women reservation legislation in 2023, people were saying, "hurry up".
"But it couldn't happen in 2024, because it can't be done in such a short time. Now in 2029, we have time. If we don't do it even in 2029, we can imagine what the situation will be like. The demand of the time is that we should not delay any further now," he said.
He said in 2023, the Parliament unanimously passed the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam', the official name of the women reservation act.
"A joyful atmosphere prevailed across the country, and no political colour was attached to it. So it did not become a political issue. Now the question is, how much longer do we have to stall it," he asked.
The prime minister said in India's development journey, MPs have got an opportunity to make women part of decision making.
"A developed India does not mean only good infrastructure but participation of women in policy making," he said.
When an opposition member tried to raise a point about welfare of the backward communities, Modi shot back and said: I come from most backward community but it is my responsibility to take everyone along."
He said 25-30 years ago, those who opposed women's reservation did not let their opposition go below the political surface.
"So, don't make the mistake of thinking that today," he said.
Pointing out the historical hypocrisy where politicians feigned support while systematically sabotaging the bill with technical caveats, Modi observed that the era of openly opposing the reservation is long gone.
He said women of the country can no longer be deceived by complex procedural excuses to delay progress.
Urging the members to abandon their blockades, Modi argued that three decades of obstruction using various technical tangles is more than enough time to reflect on past failures.
"You have stopped it for three decades, now you must finally do it," he said.
Modi said in the last 25-30 years, among the women who have won at the grassroots level in panchayat election systems, there is a political consciousness.
"Earlier, they stayed quiet, understood but didn't speak. Today, they are vocal. Therefore, today, whichever side or opposition there is, those millions of sisters who have represented in panchayats, who have deeply seen people's joys and sorrows, they are agitated," he said.
The prime minister said if all parties come together, history bears witness, it won't go in favour of any one person's political side.
"It will go in favour of the country's democracy, in favour of the country's collective decision-making power, and we all will be deserving of that glory. Neither the treasury bench will be deserving of it, nor will Modi be deserving of it," he said.
Therefore, Modi said, anyone who smells politics in reservation of seats for women in legislatures should take a look at their own outcomes from the past 30 years.
"Their benefit lies in this too. They will be saved from whatever damage is happening. Therefore, there is no need to give it a political colour. If we all move forward together, this decision will not go in favour of any one political party, but in favour of the country's democracy," he said.
The prime minister said women's participation in the country's parliamentary democracy is not just about numbers, but a commitment to democratic values.
"We must not assume we are giving something to the Nari Shakti; this is their right," he said.
Modi said today, in every sphere of life, women's power is enhancing the pride of the nation, raising the flag high.
In every field, he said, the country's mothers, sisters, and daughters are doing wonders and hence with their involvement, India's strength is only going to increase further.
"More and more women are becoming leaders at the grassroots level. Including 'Nari Shakti' in decision-making is key to building a 'Viksit Bharat'. This is a historic opportunity to empower our 'Nari Shakti'," he said.
The prime minister said as soon as the legislations get passed, he was I'm ready to run advertisement from next day thanking everyone, ready to get everyone's photo printed.
"Take the credit. Whichever photo you want to get printed, I am ready to get it printed at government expense," he told the opposition members.
Modi said as the mother of democracy, the women reservation is India's cultural commitment and because of this commitment that such a system was established in the panchayats.
"I served as Chief Minister for a long time. My experience is that a commitment to resolving sensitive issues proves beneficial. As experience deepens, its strength multiplies many times," he said.
Lok Sabha on Thursday took up the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, for debate and passage.
According to the proposal, the strength of Lok Sabha will be increased to 815, of which 272 seats will be reserved for women -- a total of 33 per cent.

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