Deputy CM Maurya Lauds Women's Reservation Act as Transformative Empowerment Initiative
In a significant address delivered in Prayagraj on Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya emphatically declared that the recently enacted 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' represents far more than a mere provision of 33 percent reservation for women. He characterized the legislation as a profound reflection of a national resolve to actively position women at the vanguard of leadership, critical decision-making processes, and the overarching project of nation-building.
PM Modi's Leadership Credited for Historic Achievement
Maurya asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has successfully accomplished the monumental task of securing the rightful entitlements for half of India's population. "This Act will not only give tangible form to the core mantra of 'Empowered Women, Empowered India' but will also endow women with renewed energy and fresh opportunities," he stated. The Deputy CM highlighted the BJP's unwavering commitment to advancing the objectives of initiatives like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', emphasizing that under the Prime Minister's stewardship, women's empowerment has transitioned decisively from political slogans to concrete, on-the-ground implementation.
He provided evidence of this progress, noting, "Over the last twelve years, the significant and troubling disparity in the nation's sex ratio has steadily narrowed and is now approaching a commendable state of near-parity."
Sharp Criticism Directed at Opposition Parties
Maurya framed the reservation for 'nari shakti' (women's power) as a decision taken unequivocally in the national interest. He issued a stern warning to opposition parties, cautioning them against underestimating the potential wrath of this empowered demographic. "Let the opposition parties beware of the wrath of this 'nari shakti'!" he proclaimed.
Launching a direct attack, he contrasted the current government's achievements with the historical record of the Congress party. "The Congress party had ruled for six decades yet failed to accomplish even a fraction of what has been achieved now. Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav remain blinded by their own arrogance," Maurya charged.
He called upon members of the Samajwadi Party and the Congress to listen clearly, asserting that the BJP stands as the true guardian and protector of the Indian Constitution. "The opposition must not make the catastrophic error of underestimating the nation's 'Matra Shakti' (mother power). If the Samajwadi Party and the Congress continue to oppose women's empowerment, they will meet a fate of utter destruction," he warned, invoking a historical analogy.
Allegations of Vote-Bank Politics and Appeasement
Maurya predicted a bleak political future for any party that stands in opposition to women's reservation, claiming the public has now seen through their tactics. He specifically targeted Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav.
"Foremost among them is the Samajwadi strongman Akhilesh Yadav. His demand in the Lok Sabha to include Muslim women within the women's reservation framework is merely a ploy—a cheap tactic of vote-bank politics," Maurya alleged. He dismissed the PDA (Pichde, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) platform championed by Yadav as a sham, accusing him of seeking to confine Muslims as a captive vote bank through consistent politics of appeasement.
In a pointed remark, Maurya suggested that if Akhilesh Yadav fails to support this Act, he would find himself politically marginalized in Saifai rather than occupying a significant position in Parliament.
Brief Mention of Noida Incident
Shifting briefly to another matter, Deputy CM Maurya addressed the recent Noida incident, confirming that the government has constituted an inquiry committee to investigate. He assured that while the legitimate interests of workers are being duly considered, no individual or group would be permitted to compromise public law and order under any circumstances.
In conclusion, Keshav Prasad Maurya's address positioned the Women's Reservation Act as a cornerstone of the BJP's governance philosophy, framing it as a historic step for gender justice while simultaneously using it as a political wedge to criticize and challenge opposition parties ahead of future electoral contests.
