New Delhi/IBNS, April 18 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday issued a public apology to the country's women following the failure of the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament, while sharply criticising Opposition parties for blocking the legislation, and accusing them of 'foeticide' of women's rights.

In a 30-minute address to the nation, the Prime Minister adopted a combative tone, accusing Opposition leaders of undermining women's rights through what he described as "petty politics".

PM Modi, in a politically loaded speech on the eve of high-octane elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, particularly targeted the Congress and other opposition parties, including Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Tamil Nadu's ruling...