CM Yogi Adityanath Launches Scathing Attack on Opposition Over Women's Rights
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a powerful address at the Nari Shakti Vandan conference in Gorakhpur on Wednesday, accusing opposition parties of systematically obstructing women's right to leadership positions. In his speech, the Uttar Pradesh leader singled out Congress and Samajwadi Party for what he described as historically anti-women policies.
Historical Opposition to Women's Empowerment
"The deeds of Congress and SP have been anti-women from the very beginning," declared CM Yogi. "Congress has consistently worked to obstruct the rights of women, Dalits, the deprived, and backward classes. Meanwhile, SP is openly anti-women, as reflected in the saying 'Dekh Sapayi, Bitiya Ghabrayi' (Seeing SP, daughters become frightened)."
The Chief Minister highlighted that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building, the first legislation passed was the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. "Through this amendment bill, PM Modi aims to grant women the right to participate in law-making and implementation starting from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections," Yogi explained. "Yet the anti-women opposition, celebrating the bill's fall, refuses to accept this progressive step."
Uttar Pradesh's Transformative Progress Since 2017
CM Yogi presented compelling statistics demonstrating Uttar Pradesh's advancement in women's empowerment since his government took office in 2017:
- Before 2017, during SP rule, families in central and western Uttar Pradesh had stopped sending daughters to school due to safety concerns. Today, girls attend educational institutions without obstruction.
- From 1947 to 2017, only 10,000 women were recruited into UP Police. Post-2017, this number has surged to 44,000-45,000, with mandatory 20% women recruitment in police forces.
- Over 900,000 government jobs have been filled since 2017, with approximately 175,000 positions occupied by women.
- Through MSME revival initiatives, more than 30 million people gained employment, while over 21,000 startups launched in the state—half with women participants.
Political Participation and Cultural Foundations
"To realize the vision of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat, women's political participation is absolutely essential," emphasized the Chief Minister. He noted that women have received ensured representation in panchayats and local bodies, yielding positive results: "In our state, 54% of block heads are women. Similarly, women's participation in village and district panchayats will reach approximately 50%."
CM Yogi connected women's empowerment to India's cultural heritage, stating: "In India's history and traditions, maternal power has always been respected. Calling Lord Ram as Kaushalyanandan, Lord Krishna as Yashodanandan, Bhishma as Gangeya, and Arjun as Kaunteya proves this reverence." He elaborated that even greetings and chants prioritize feminine divinity, from "Siyavar Ramchandra ki Jai" (where Sita's name comes first) to Mathura's "Radhe Radhe" and Kashi's "Namah Parvati Pataye."
Central and State Government Initiatives
The Chief Minister detailed how, since 2014 under PM Modi's leadership, systematic efforts have promoted women's dignity at every level. "Earlier, complaints of female foeticide were rampant, preventing daughters from claiming property rights. Through programs like 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,' 'Matru Vandana,' and 'Indradhanush Yojana,' we've worked to stop gender imbalance and female foeticide."
In Uttar Pradesh, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana supports girls' education from birth through graduation, benefiting 2.6 million girls. Mass marriage schemes combat child marriage and dowry practices, while women have received highest participation in housing, toilet construction, Ujjwala, PM SVANidhi, and Ayushman schemes.
Women's Resolve and Future Commitment
CM Yogi shared an inspiring anecdote from a West Bengal rally where thousands of women gathered in 45-degree heat to support BJP candidates despite TMC opposition. "Half the population there has resolved to change power," he observed, noting their gratitude toward PM Modi.
Addressing the large women's turnout at the Gorakhpur conference despite extreme heat, Yogi stated: "This participation sends a clear message that no one can deprive women of their rights for long. These are not begged rights but natural entitlements delayed since independence."
The Chief Minister reiterated the double-engine government's commitment to empowering half the population through women's safety, dignity, and self-reliance initiatives. "When women are empowered, families become capable; when families are capable, society's foundation strengthens; when society is strong, the nation becomes powerful and prosperous," he concluded, framing the Nari Shakti Vandan Conference as part of this ongoing campaign.
