lucknow, April 30
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Opposition parties in the State Assembly over the Women’s Reservation Bill, accusing them of blocking key steps for women’s empowerment while later trying to claim credit.
The remarks came amid a politically charged debate around the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women, with protests also staged inside the Vidhan Sabha complex. Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna was seen holding placards and raising slogans against the Opposition, demanding that the quota be enforced. The one-day special session had been convened to discuss and pass a condemnation motion against the Opposition’s alleged attempts to stall the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill.Addressing the House, Adityanath questioned the Opposition’s stand, saying, “Even a chameleon would blush at your conduct; if you are advocating for a 33% quota today, then why did you oppose it in Parliament?” He claimed that the Assembly itself had witnessed what he described as the Opposition’s “anti-women conduct”.
Speaking to journalists earlier in Lucknow, the Chief Minister sharpened his attack, saying Congress and the Samajwadi Party were “inherently anti-women” and “change colours like a chameleon”. “Disrespect towards women runs in their veins. Whenever the Samajwadi Party came to power in the state, atrocities against women and brutal incidents crossed all limits,” he claimed. The Chief Minister said the debate had not even begun, but the Opposition was already “restless”, alleging that it was creating obstacles in the path of women’s empowerment. “By backing the Bill, they could have changed the perception that they are anti-women. Instead, they are now trying to ensure that the Act is not implemented,” he added.
Referring to the passage of the women’s reservation law, he said the Centre had ensured the approval of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023. He also criticised parties including the Samajwadi Party, Indian National Congress, Trinamool Congress and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, alleging their conduct during the Bill’s passage reflected an “anti-women mindset”.
Adityanath also accused Opposition parties of earlier opposing welfare measures. “In 2014, you engaged in a malicious propaganda campaign against the ‘Jan Dhan’ bank accounts,” he said, referring to the Centre’s financial inclusion drive. He added that the special session would also express gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting women’s empowerment, dignity and self-reliance.
The Chief Minister widened his criticism to past incidents and governance records, alleging that the Opposition had failed to stand with women in critical moments. He cited cases such as the murder of Raju Pal and referred to the treatment of Pooja Pal, along with the 1995 State Guest House episode.
