BJP Attempting To Turn 'Women Into A Slogan': Akhilesh Yadav Slams Government On Women's Reservation Bill

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav alleged in the Lok Sabha on Thursday that the BJP is attempting to turn women into mere slogans under the pretext of the Women's Reservation Bill. Participating in the discussion on the three bills related to women's reservation, the SP chief stated that while his party supports reservation for women, it stands against the "BJP's machinations".

"The BJP is trying to reduce women to a mere slogan through this (women's) reservation. But how can those who have not included women within their own organization uphold their dignity and respect? In the parent organization from which you emerged, how many women are actually present to enjoy such dignity and respect?" he alleged.

"We are in favor of women's reservation, but the question remains: why is the BJP in such a rush? The truth is that the BJP wants to postpone the Census; it wants to defer the Caste Census, and in doing so, it seeks to delay the implementation of reservation," the SP MP remarked.

Accusing the government of failing to include Muslim women within the "half the population" demographic, he asserted, "Our demand is that women from the Backward Classes and Muslim communities also be included within this 'half the population' framework."

He claimed that the BJP's primary objective is to garner votes and retain power, which is the sole reason these bills have been introduced. He added that this constitutes the BJP's typical political ploy: once the older generations see through their tactics, they shift their focus to target the younger generations—a strategy, he predicted, in which they would ultimately fail.

Was Inflation Fueled by BJP's Fund-Raising Drives?

The SP MP from Kannauj also leveled further accusations against the ruling party, stating, "The inflation—driven by the BJP's rampant profiteering and aggressive fund-raising drives—has left women's kitchens desolate. The scarcity of gas cylinders and their skyrocketing prices have served as the final blow, completing the devastation."

Referring to the workers—including women—who have been staging protests in the NCR and other regions over the past few days demanding wage hikes, he challenged the government: "If this bill is truly as righteous as claimed, then go and sit amongst the workers of Meerut and Noida, and announce to them exactly what provisions are being made for their benefit within this legislation."

VIDEO | Delhi: Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav takes a dig at the government during the Lok Sabha discussion on the Women’s Reservation Bill, saying, “BJP has made ‘Nari’ (women) their ‘Nara’ (slogan).”#WomensReservation #ParliamentSession

(Source: Third Party)

(Full video… pic.twitter.com/gKs3m4eQlU

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What did Akhilesh Yadav say about delimitation process?

The SP chief stated that if the number of Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh increases to 600 following delimitation, one must question whether there is a conspiracy behind it; and if indeed that is the case—much like they lost in Ayodhya—the BJP will once again face defeat in the North. Arguing against the reservation of specific Lok Sabha or Assembly seats for women, he contended that such a measure would merely pit women against one another in direct competition.

He demanded that provisions for women's reservation be implemented on a party-wise basis, and—taking an indirect jibe at a former BJP MP—remarked, "Your 'mother-in-law vs. daughter-in-law' candidates have already lost. This way, the party will get an opportunity." The SP MP further added that his party opposes the implementation of women's reservation on a rotational basis, as such a system would prevent representatives from fostering a deep emotional bond with the electorate in their respective constituencies.