Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Keshav Prasad Maurya, highlighted the nationwide “torch rally” where women are voicing their discontent over significant political events. In Lucknow, thousands of women are actively participating in this demonstration, reflecting the sentiments of half the population. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak affirmed the government’s solidarity with women’s grievances on the matter.
The ongoing political dispute revolves around the Women’s Reservation Bill, a contentious issue between the ruling BJP and opposition parties. The disagreement stems from the opposition’s objection to linking the Bill with delimitation, advocating for its original enactment from September 2023. Women BJP MLAs recently staged a protest within the Vidhan Bhawan complex, condemning the opposition for impeding the passage of the Bill related to the Women’s Reservation Law in the Lok Sabha.
Tensions escalated as the ruling party accused the opposition of hindering women’s political representation. In response, Samajwadi Party MLAs conducted a separate demonstration, alleging the BJP of exploiting women’s reservation for political motives. The failed Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill aimed to introduce one-third women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and legislative Assembly, falling short of the required two-thirds majority during voting.
