BJP targets Oppn, calls INDIA bloc anti-women

Lucknow: A major political flashpoint emerged in Lucknow on Tuesday as senior BJP leaders, including chief minister Yogi Adityanath, led a large-scale ‘Jan Aakrosh Padyatra’ against the Opposition over its alleged opposition to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. The march witnessed participation from thousands of women, along with top leaders who launched a sharp attack on the Congress and Samajwadi Party.Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak accused the Opposition of conspiring to block women’s reservation, alleging that “the anger of women is now visible on the streets.”He said the Congress and Samajwadi Party had displayed a “narrow mindset” by opposing the bill in Parliament and claimed that women across Uttar Pradesh are now mobilising against them.“The agitated sisters of the state are on the streets, politically exposing these parties. They will face the consequences in upcoming elections,” he said.Echoing similar sentiments, deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya warned that the Opposition would suffer electorally if women’s reservation is not ensured.“Can any party win elections without women voters? If reservation is denied, Samajwadi Party and Congress will not receive any votes in 2027,” he asserted, adding that govt remains committed to ensuring reservation for women.Rajya Sabha MP Arun Singh criticised the Opposition for allegedly celebrating after opposing the bill in Parliament.“This reflects their mindset. After denying women their rights, they applauded. The country’s women will not forgive this,” he said.Union minister and UP BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary branded the Opposition bloc as an “anti-women alliance.”“The objective of the legislation was to ensure 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, thereby strengthening their role in policymaking. While govt is working towards women’s empowerment, the Opposition is opposing every positive initiative due to blind opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.The padyatra, marked by slogans and demonstrations, was projected by BJP leaders as a show of support for women’s rights and political representation. The issue is likely to intensify political confrontation in the run-up to the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with both sides expected to sharpen their narratives around women-centric policies and representation.