New Delhi/IBNS: "God has perhaps chosen me for this sacred work," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announcing that his government is set to table the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament.

In his address to Lok Sabha in the new Parliament building, Modi said, "There have been many discussions and debates on women's reservation for many years. The bill related to this was introduced for the first time in 1996.

"The Women's Reservation Bill was introduced several times during Atal ji's tenure, but could not gather the required number to pass it because of which that dream remained unfulfilled."

"God has perhaps chosen me for this sacred work of empowering women and harnessing their power. Once again our government has taken steps in this direction," he added.

Congress claims credit

Congress top leader Sonia Gandhi has claimed credit for the Women's Reservation Bill, which will be tabled by the government in Parliament on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters while entering Parliament, Sonia said, "It's ours."

Earlier, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X, "It’s been a long-standing demand of the Congress party to implement women’s reservation. We welcome the reported decision of the Union Cabinet and await the details of the Bill.

"This could have very well been discussed in the all-party meeting before the Special Session, and consensus could have been built instead of operating under a veil of secrecy."

Congress president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday pitched for passing a women reservation bill in the ongoing special session of the Parliament.

Participating in the discussion on "Parliamentary journey of 75 years starting from Samvidhan Sabha - Achievements, Experiences, Memories and Learnings", Kharge said that women of the country should get their due.

"The world has changed. At this time, the share of women members in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha is 10% and 14%, respectively. In state assemblies, the participation of women is to the extent of 10%.

"In 1952, during the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's time, only 5% of Parliamentarians were women. Even after 70 years, the percentage is in the range of 10-15%," the LoP said.