The special House session of the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC), convened by mayor Sushma Kharakwal of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday, passed a proposal condemning political parties that oppose the women's quota bill. The session was marked by uproar and protests from opposition members.
Stormy Start to the Session
The session began on a contentious note as corporators from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Indian National Congress vociferously opposed the move. Heated exchanges erupted between opposition and BJP corporators, leading to a charged atmosphere within the House.
Opposition Walkout and Protest
Unable to stem the passage of the proposal, opposition parties staged a walkout and subsequently protested outside the LMC premises. The demonstration underscored the deep divide over the women's quota bill, which has been a flashpoint in Indian politics.
Mayor's Remarks
Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, while addressing the House, referred to a protest held outside her residence a day earlier by opposition members. She described the demonstration as an insult to democratic values and reiterated the BJP's commitment to women's empowerment. Following her address, the condemnation proposal was passed by the BJP corporators, who hold a majority in the LMC House.
The incident highlights the ongoing political friction in Uttar Pradesh's capital over legislative measures aimed at enhancing women's representation in governance.
