Gorakhpur (UP), Apr 22 (PTI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday targeted the opposition over the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Parliament, saying the Congress and the Samajwadi Party have a history of being “anti-women”, and those celebrating the bill not being passed pose a threat to women’s safety, dignity and self-reliance.
The government’s Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill to implement women’s quota and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 was defeated in the Lower House on Friday last week.
Addressing a ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’ here, Adityanath said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken the initiative to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies by bringing a constitutional amendment proposal in Parliament.
“However, Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress and DMK opposed it. When the bill could not be passed, their members came out clapping, laughing and celebrating,” he alleged.
The chief minister said the BJP has resolved to “teach a lesson” to those who obstruct the legitimate rights of women.
“Those who attack the rightful claims of half the population and create obstacles for them, while they exist, women’s safety, respect and self-reliance remain at risk. That is why protests are being organised at various places,” he said.
Stepping up his attack, Adityanath accused the Congress of historically opposing the interests of women, Dalits and backward communities.
“Everyone knows the history of the Congress. Whenever it comes to ensuring rights for women, the deprived, Dalits and backward classes, Congress has always been an obstacle. The Samajwadi Party is openly anti-women. Slogans reflecting fear among daughters were associated with its rule,” he said.
The chief minister noted that women today are contributing to leadership across sectors without restrictions, but their role can be further strengthened through greater political participation.
“For a self-reliant and developed India, it is essential that women get adequate representation in politics. Women’s reservation is in itself a reform and a necessary step in line with the needs of the time,” he said.
Making a reference to the cow as a symbol of motherhood, he said, “Across the world, whether countries accept it or not, people consume cow’s milk. This connects us to the idea of maternal strength.” Adityanath also highlighted various welfare schemes being implemented by the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government for women, asserting that since 2014, the BJP-led governments have taken meaningful steps to ensure women receive their due rights. PTI SLM ABN ABN MPL MPL
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