Yogi Adityanath Criticizes Opposition as 'Anti-Women' at Gorakhpur Conference
In a strong address at the 'Nari Shakti Vandan' conference in Gorakhpur on Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, labeling them as "anti-women" and unwilling to grant leadership roles to women. He emphasized that the women's reservation law, introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a landmark step aimed at ensuring women's participation in law-making, with its implementation set for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Opposition Accused of Stalling Women's Reservation
Yogi Adityanath specifically targeted parties such as the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), Trinamool Congress (TMC), and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), accusing them of attempting to stall the women's reservation law. He argued that these parties have historically resisted empowering women in political spheres, contrasting this with the proactive measures taken by his government.
Improvements in Women's Safety and Education
Highlighting the slogan "Dekh Sapai, bitiya ghabraai", the Chief Minister pointed to safety concerns that, before 2017, forced families in some regions to stop sending girls to school. He asserted that the situation has significantly improved under his administration, with enhanced security measures and community initiatives fostering a safer environment for women and girls across Uttar Pradesh.
Employment Gains and Government Initiatives
Providing concrete data, Yogi Adityanath noted a substantial rise in women's recruitment in the UP Police, from about 10,000 until 2017 to nearly 45,000 currently, with a mandatory 20% reservation now in place. Additionally, he revealed that out of over 9 lakh government jobs created since 2017, approximately 1.75 lakh have been allocated to women, underscoring his commitment to gender equality in employment.
Political Participation and Welfare Schemes
The Chief Minister stressed that women's political participation is crucial for building a self-reliant India, citing strong representation in Panchayat and local bodies as evidence of progress. He also listed key welfare schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Kanya Sumangala Yojana, framing women's empowerment as a "right, not charity". These initiatives aim to support education, health, and financial independence for women and girls in the state.
Yogi Adityanath's remarks at the conference reinforced his government's focus on advancing women's rights and opportunities, while challenging opposition parties to align with these goals for a more inclusive society.
