A 'Betrayal of Women's Power': Controversy Over Defeated Women's Reservation Bill

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the defeat of a constitutional amendment bill designed to grant 33% reservation for women in legislatures by 2029 as a 'betrayal of women's power.' The bill, which also proposed increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816, failed to pass on Friday.

In a sharp critique posted on social media, Adityanath blamed the opposition, particularly the Congress-led 'INDI' alliance, for obstructing the passage of the bill, describing their actions as having an 'anti-women mindset.' He asserted that the NDA alliance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi would continue striving to empower women.

Protests erupted in Lucknow, with Aparna Yadav, vice-president of the Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission, burning flags of opposing parties. The opposition, led by figures like Akhilesh Yadav and Aradhana Mishra, argued for the bill's constitutional significance, while defending their commitment to women's rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)