Akhilesh demands women’s quota in 2027 UP polls; slams govt over prepaid power meters

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief and former UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday demanded that the Centre and the state govt announce the implementation of the women’s reservation law in the 2027 UP assembly elections, warning that the issue would be raised continuously if clarity is not provided.

In a statement issued by SP, Akhilesh said the 'PDA' (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) alliance demands that the women’s reservation law — passed in Parliament with support from the opposition — be implemented in the upcoming state polls. “The BJP govt should immediately declare its intent to enforce women’s reservation in the 2027 assembly elections or admit that it is opposed to granting reservation to women,” he said.



He added that the party would continue to raise the issue “every week at multiple forums” until a formal announcement is made.

Akhilesh also took a swipe at the BJP over political developments in West Bengal, alleging that outcomes were being manipulated. In a pointed remark, he said leadership decisions too appeared “arbitrary,” and made a symbolic reference to the need for greater representation of women in leadership roles.

In a separate statement, the SP chief criticised the prepaid electricity meter system, calling it “corrupt” and claiming that public opposition had forced the govt to reconsider its stance.

He demanded that any excess billing collected from consumers under the prepaid system be logically adjusted in future electricity bills. “If artificial intelligence can be used to remove names from voter lists, why can’t it be used for fair bill adjustments?” he said.

He alleged that the additional charges collected from the public amounted to “loot” and must be refunded. He warned that the party would launch another mass agitation if corrective measures were not taken.

The statements are being seen as part of the SP’s broader political positioning ahead of the 2027 UP assembly elections, focusing on issues of social justice, women’s representation and public utility concerns.
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