Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday, 30 April launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress, the Samajwadi Party (SP), and the INDIA bloc, accusing them of being "inherently anti-women" ahead of a one-day special session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Lucknow. The special session was convened to discuss and pass a condemnation motion against the Opposition's alleged attempts to stall the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill.

Why the Special Session Was Called

Speaking to journalists in Lucknow, CM Adityanath said the session had been specifically convened to pass a condemnation motion targeting Opposition parties he accused of obstructing the Women's Reservation Bill, which seeks to enhance women's representation in legislatures. He added that the session would also include expressions of gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting women's empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance through various government initiatives.

Adityanath's Charges Against the Opposition

The Chief Minister alleged that parties like the Congress and SP have historically failed to safeguard women's interests. "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. Referring to past incidents, including the State Guest House case, Adityanath argued that the Opposition's record on women's safety and dignity was well-known to the public.

He further alleged that the Opposition had squandered an opportunity to rehabilitate its image. "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 said. Taking a swipe at Opposition parties, he also cited historical developments such as the Shah Bano case to argue that they had repeatedly acted as obstacles to women's rights.

Opposition Parties Named for 'Exposure'

Adityanath claimed that during the Assembly proceedings, parties including the Samajwadi Party, Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) would be "exposed" over what he described as their anti-women stance. He appealed to Opposition legislators to participate in the discussion and clarify their position on the Women's Reservation Bill. "They should show moral courage. If they believe their leaders were wrong, they should apologise or join in passing the condemnation motion," he said.

BJP's Claim on Women's Empowerment

The Chief Minister asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA government has consistently worked to increase women's participation in policymaking and governance. This comes amid a broader political battle over the Women's Reservation Bill, which was passed by Parliament in 2023 but whose implementation remains contingent on a delimitation exercise — a point the Opposition has used to question the government's sincerity on the issue. The special session is expected to sharpen the BJP's political messaging on women's rights ahead of upcoming electoral contests.