Modi's Kala Tika Quip Amid DMK's Black Protest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to DMK's protest against the women's quota bill with sarcastic remarks, comparing their black attire to 'kala tika' or a protective charm. While DMK members showed dissent by wearing black, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, M K Stalin, intensified the protest, labeling the delimitation bill a 'black law.'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chided DMK members for donning black attire in the Lok Sabha as a form of protest against the women's quota law amendment bill. He likened their black clothes to a 'kala tika,' suggesting it serves as a charm to ward off the evil eye.

During his intervention in the debate over the three bills intended to enact the women's reservation law of 2023 before the upcoming 2029 elections, Modi commented on the protest. He noted that it is traditional to apply a 'kala tika' before starting good work, even thanking the protesting members for this symbolic gesture.

Further escalating their dissent, party leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin raised a black flag and burned a copy of the delimitation bill in the state, condemning it as a 'black law' that he claims will turn Tamil people into 'refugees.' Modi reassured that the delimitation will not discriminate against any state or region in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)