: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday lashed out at the INDIA bloc for opposing the Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment Bill in Parliament, calling their move not only against women’s dignity but also an unpardonable sin that the women of the country will never forgive.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath addressing a press conference in Lucknow on Sunday. Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary and SBSP chief OP Rajbhar also seen. (Deepak Gupta/ HT) Addressing a press conference at the BJP state unit office in Lucknow, the chief minister said the Opposition’s celebrations and irresponsible comments after the bill failed to pass in Parliament reminded the nation of the painful episode in Indian history when an attempt was made to disrobe Draupadi in a royal court.
“It’s unfortunate for both democracy and women’s dignity. This conduct exposes the anti-women mindset of the Opposition leaders,” he said.
He asserted the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) stands united with the women of the state, who are angered by the Opposition’s conduct.
“Women across the country should oppose the anti-women behaviour of the Opposition parties. Any attempt to obstruct women’s leadership will not be tolerated, and the NDA will firmly support women in their pursuit of rights and dignity,” he said.
He recalled that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014 he clearly stated that the country recognises four primary categories: the poor, youth, farmers and women.
“Those who nurtured the politics of caste divisions for personal gain found this vision a challenge. Therefore, every progressive reform introduced under the Prime Minister’s leadership has faced resistance from Congress and its allies,” Adityanath said.
The Opposition’s behaviour in Parliament has generated deep resentment among women across the country, he said, adding that this anger is directed at Congress and its allies, including the SP, RJD, TMC and DMK, who collectively obstructed reforms meant for societal progress.
The INDIA bloc repeatedly acted as a barrier to initiatives aimed at empowering all sections of society, he said.
The chief minister said the Nari Shakti Vandan Act was passed in 2023 and when women’s and social organizations demanded its implementation by 2029 instead of 2034, the Prime Minister responded by introducing an amendment after consultations.
Concerns raised by some states about potential loss of representation were addressed with assurances that no state’s share would be reduced, and additional seats would be created to ensure 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, he said.
“The government intended unanimous passage of the amendment to grant women their rightful representation”. However, the behaviour of Opposition parties during the debate, he said, resembled a deliberate disruption, preventing consensus on a crucial reform for women’s empowerment.
Countering the argument raised by some parties regarding reservation for Muslim women within the bill, the chief minister said such demands contradict the spirit of the Constitution, recalling that during its framing, religion-based reservations were rejected by leaders, including BR Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.