Nearly two weeks after the Lok Sabha rejected the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill for 33% women's quota tied to delimitation, the Uttar Pradesh Assembly passed a resolution on April 30 condemning Congress, Samajwadi Party, and INDIA bloc parties for opposing it during a special session on women’s empowerment.
The resolution, tabled by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna during the one-day special session, stated: “This House condemns the conduct of Congress, SP, and all parties of the INDIA alliance for creating obstacles in the amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Constitution 131st Amendment Bill) in Parliament.” Khanna emphasized the state government's commitment to women's participation in policymaking, vowing to oppose those against empowerment.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, wrapping up a five-hour debate, accused opposition parties of pushing women's quota on religious lines: “The BJP has never opposed reservation for SCs and STs but will always oppose religious-based quotas... Under the guise of the Nari Shakti Act, you want to base it on religion.”
Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey rejected the resolution: “I strongly condemn your condemnation motion... This is not for women’s empowerment.” SP claimed the bill prioritized delimitation over rights; Akhilesh Yadav posted on X: “Women will become the reason for BJP’s downfall.” BSP leader Mayawati supported women's reservation but flagged implementation delays.
The resolution passed by voice vote amid opposition protests.
