Yogi Adityanath Condemns Opposition for Blocking Women's Reservation Bill
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh strongly criticized opposition parties, particularly the Congress and Samajwadi Party, on Tuesday, accusing them of squandering a historic opportunity to reform their anti-women stance. Speaking at a large gathering outside the Vidhan Bhawan in Lucknow, Adityanath asserted that these parties obstructed the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in Parliament, thereby exposing their undemocratic and anti-women character.
Historic Opportunity Missed by Opposition
Adityanath emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had provided a pivotal moment for the opposition to amend their thinking and transform their image. "PM Narendra Modi gave these parties a historic opportunity to amend their thinking and change their image, but once again they have shown their anti-women character," he stated. The Chief Minister highlighted that the bill aims to ensure 33% reservation for women in Legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha, with implementation assured by 2029 by the PM and Union Home Minister.
Massive Protest March in Lucknow
Earlier in the day, Adityanath led a significant 'Jan Aakrosh Mahila Padyatra' from his residence at 5 Kalidas Marg to the Vidhan Bhawan. This march was organized to protest against the opposition's obstruction of the bill. He was accompanied by UP BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary, deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with BJP allies, ministers, and various party office bearers.
The padyatra commenced around 10 am, with hundreds of women participants carrying placards and shouting slogans against the Congress and SP. Adityanath noted that the participation of thousands of women, despite intense heat, reflected widespread public support for the PM's policies and deep anger towards opposition parties for opposing the amendment.
Government Schemes Highlight Women's Welfare
Adityanath elaborated on the government's commitment to women's welfare, referencing Prime Minister Modi's statement that there are only four castes: women, youth, poor, and farmers. He listed several central and state schemes designed to benefit women, including:
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
- Ujjwala Yojana
- Swachh Bharat Mission
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
- Ayushman Bharat Yojana
He emphasized that initiatives like providing toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission and gas cylinders under Ujjwala Yojana are efforts by the BJP government to protect women's dignity.
Opposition's Divisive Mindset Criticized
The Chief Minister accused opposition parties of opposing these welfare schemes at every level due to their divisive and anti-women mindset. "The 'aadhee abadee' (women folk) is staging protests on the streets across the country against the Congress and its allies," he said, adding that the march symbolizes resentment among women towards the attitudes of Congress, SP, TMC, and DMK.
Commitment to Women's Safety and Self-Reliance
Adityanath detailed additional state schemes such as Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana, and Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, which aim to enhance women's safety, dignity, and self-reliance. He highlighted that the double-engine government is working towards enabling families to become self-reliant through programs like PM SVANidhi Yojana and Gharouni distribution.
Concluding his address, Adityanath urged that while the 'aakrosh padyatra' has formally ended in Lucknow, it should be continued as a campaign at every district, division, and booth level to amplify the message of women's empowerment and opposition accountability.
