UP CM Yogi Adityanath attacks opposition, calls its conduct on ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act’ objectionable

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday came down heavily on the opposition, likening it to an “Indo-Pak alliance” over recent developments in Parliament.

He said that the conduct of opposition parties in Parliament was not only unfortunate but also contrary to the country’s democratic norms.

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The Chief Minister made these remarks while speaking to reporters at the party office on Sunday. He said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed power in 2014, he spoke of viewing the country in terms of four major sections—women, the poor, the youth, and farmers.

Yogi said that this approach continues to underpin the central government’s policies, while the opposition has consistently opposed these “progressive” steps.

Yogi explained that the press conference was called specifically regarding the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. He said half of the country’s population is enthusiastic about this law, but there is also strong anger among women over the opposition’s behaviour in Parliament.

He alleged that the Congress, Samajwadi Party, TMC, DMK, and other allies attempted to obstruct this important bill. Yogi said that if all parties had passed it unanimously, it would have been an achievement of the entire House.

The Chief Minister explained that various women’s organisations had demanded that this Act, passed in 2023, be implemented in 2029 instead of 2034. In response, the central government decided to amend it.

He clarified that to implement the 33 per cent reservation, the number of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats would be increased, without affecting the rights of any state or community. Accusing the opposition of adopting double standards, Yogi Adityanath cited the Shah Bano case.

He said that when it comes to the rights of Muslim women, the opposition has a history of being against them. Meanwhile, the central government has worked to provide justice to women by banning the evil practice of triple talaq.

He also said that the opposition invokes the Constitution and the name of B.R. Ambedkar, but their conduct does not align with his principles. He also questioned the Samajwadi Party’s demand for separate reservations for Muslim women in this context.

Referring to various central government schemes, the Chief Minister said that work is being done with the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Citing programmes like “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,” the Matru Vandana Yojana, and the vaccination campaign, he claimed that maternal and infant mortality rates have decreased significantly.

Yogi Adityanath said that the government’s objective is to provide security, respect, and self-reliance to women, and the Nari Shakti Vandana Act was a historic step in that direction.