Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya Condemns Opposition Parties Over Women's Quota Bill
In a sharp political attack from Prayagraj, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Wednesday launched a scathing criticism against the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress for their role in defeating the Constitution amendment bill aimed at facilitating women's quota. Maurya asserted that these parties will face severe electoral repercussions in the forthcoming elections due to their anti-women stance.
Accusations of Anti-Women Mindset and Dynastic Politics
Maurya specifically targeted the SP and Congress, labeling them as dynastic parties with an anti-women mindset. He highlighted what he described as a consistent pattern of obstruction by these parties, along with the TMC and DMK, against constructive initiatives. "Both Samajwadi Party and Congress are dynastic parties, and their mindset is anti-women. The SP, Congress, TMC and DMK have actively obstructed constructive initiatives—a pattern frequently observed in the conduct of these parties," Maurya stated.
He pointed out the apparent contradiction in their positions, noting that Rahul Gandhi has two women in his immediate family—his mother and his sister—both of whom are Members of Parliament, and Akhilesh Yadav’s wife is a Member of the Lok Sabha. Despite these familial connections to women in politics, Maurya emphasized that they opposed the Women’s Reservation Bill, which he framed as a betrayal of women's rights.
Electoral Warnings and Political Predictions
The Deputy CM issued stark warnings about the electoral future of these parties. He predicted that the SP will have to pay a heavy price in the upcoming 2027 state assembly elections and that by 2029, the Congress party will be reduced to half its current strength. Maurya also forecasted that the women of West Bengal will deliver a resounding response to the TMC, and noted deep anger among women in Tamil Nadu, underscoring that women, whom he referred to as the "half population," are indispensable to any political party's success.
BJP's Commitment to Women's Empowerment
Maurya reinforced the BJP's dedication to the Women's Reservation Bill, describing it as a firm resolve of the BJP. He claimed that "The BJP has done more than any other party to empower and uplift women" and warned that the indignation of women will prove to be the catalyst for the political ruin of the SP and Congress. The deputy CM affirmed that the BJP's struggle will continue unabated until women are granted their rightful rights and reservation, stating that no political party can win an election without women's support.
He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts, saying "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is paving the way to elevate 'Nari Shakti' (women’s power) to the very pinnacle of leadership."
Response to Controversial Remarks and Event Details
In response to objectionable and controversial remarks made against women by MP Pappu Yadav, Maurya observed that a person’s speech reflects the values and upbringing they possess, indirectly criticizing the MP's conduct. The event was attended by senior leaders Vivek Mishra and Pawan Srivastava, highlighting the political significance of Maurya's statements.
This confrontation over the Women's Reservation Bill underscores the deepening political divides on gender issues in India, with the BJP positioning itself as the champion of women's rights against what it portrays as obstructionist opposition parties.
