Yogi Adityanath Compares Opposition's Women's Quota Defeat to Draupadi's Cheerharan
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a scathing attack on opposition parties, likening their actions in defeating the women's reservation bill to the disrobing of Draupadi in the epic Mahabharata. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow on Sunday, the chief minister described the opposition's celebration after the Constitution amendment bill failed to pass in the Lok Sabha as an "unpardonable sin" that women would never forgive.
Opposition Parties Branded as Anti-Women
Speaking alongside Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, UP BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary, and ministers OP Rajbhar, Sanjay Nishad and Anil Kumar, Yogi Adityanath declared that the opposition, including the Congress, SP, TMC and DMK, had exposed themselves as "anti-women" through their speeches and actions. He emphasized that their irresponsible remarks and celebratory behavior after the bill's defeat revealed a deep-seated resistance to women's empowerment.
"The manner in which opposition parties celebrated after the bill failed to pass in the Lok Sabha and made irresponsible remarks has exposed their mindset towards women's dignity," the chief minister stated. "The entire episode was extremely unfortunate for democracy and reflected deep-rooted resistance to women's empowerment."
Historical Context and Constitutional Principles
Yogi Adityanath drew parallels to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision since 2014, noting that the PM had identified four key sections of society: the poor, youth, farmers, and women. He accused the Congress of consistently opposing progressive steps taken by the Modi government for these groups, with the rejection of the women's reservation amendment being another example of their negative politics.
Addressing concerns about delimitation, the chief minister provided clear assurances that no state would lose representation. "The sole intent of BJP was to reserve one-third of seats for women in national and state legislatures," he explained. "Had the House acted with reason, the country would have achieved another historic milestone in ensuring women's dignity, security and self-reliance."
Opposition's Double Standards Exposed
Responding to demands from some opposition parties regarding religion-based reservation, Yogi Adityanath argued that such proposals went against both the spirit of the Constitution and the vision of BR Ambedkar. He recalled that reservations based on religion were firmly rejected during the framing of the Constitution, with leaders cautioning that the country could not withstand further divisions after Partition.
The chief minister also highlighted what he called the opposition's double standards on Muslim women's rights. "Where were these parties during the Shah Bano case, when Muslim women were deprived of justice?" Yogi questioned, adding that the same parties had opposed the law banning triple talaq.
Women's Empowerment Initiatives Highlighted
Yogi Adityanath detailed multiple schemes launched to empower women socially and economically, including:
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign to address female foeticide
- Programs to improve sex ratio and strengthen maternal healthcare
- Expanded immunization coverage contributing to reduced maternal and infant mortality
- Kanya Sumangala scheme providing financial assistance for girls' education
- Ujjwala scheme for clean cooking fuel access
- Toilet construction and housing under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
"These initiatives have directly protected women's dignity, health and safety," the chief minister emphasized.
Increased Women's Participation in Governance
Yogi Adityanath noted that women's participation in governance and the workforce has increased significantly in recent years, both nationally and in Uttar Pradesh. "Our government has focused on balanced representation," he stated. "Recruitment drives, especially in the police department, have set an example for other states. Women are also emerging as entrepreneurs in self-help groups, MSMEs, startups, education, healthcare, science and agriculture."
The chief minister concluded by asserting that Uttar Pradesh stands firmly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA in the fight for women's dignity and rights. He appealed to women to reject what he called anti-women politics, stating that whenever women have been given leadership, the country has witnessed positive change.
