New Delhi, April 18 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Opposition for blocking the Women's Reservation Bill, saying that they "crushed" their dreams despite the government's sincere efforts.

PM Modi pointed out that defeat of this bill is a direct blow to the self-respect of women, an insult that the female electorate will permanently engrave in their memories. "Women may forget everything else, but they never forget an insult to their pride," PM Modi said in his address to the nation on Saturday.

PM Modi said "the sin committed by the opposition" will bring them punishment from people.

He highlighted that women of India are acutely aware of the malicious intentions and will hold the offending politicians strictly accountable ...