Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday accused the BJP-led central govt of being unwilling to provide reservation to women, alleging a “deliberate conspiracy” to mislead the public and discredit the Opposition. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, he said the Women’s Reservation Bill, passed by Parliament in 2023 with support from all parties, had already became law. “Despite this, the BJP brought a proposal to amend it, which reflects its flawed intent. The party is acting against constitutional principles by not respecting a law passed by Parliament,” he said. He further alleged that the Centre convened a parliamentary session on the amendment during Assembly elections in five states to politically sideline Opposition MPs. “Such an important bill, along with delimitation, was brought mid-elections for the first time in history,” he claimed. Criticising the BJP govt’s overall performance, the SP chief said issues like inflation and unemployment had left people distressed. “The govt has no real agenda, so it is diverting attention through such moves,” he said. Yadav also accused the BJP of avoiding a caste census while collecting other forms of data, calling its approach “regressive and anti-people.” He alleged that the party was attempting to turn women’s reservation into a political slogan rather than implementing it effectively. Referring to law and order issues, former CM Yadav cited incidents in Hardoi and Varanasi, alleging that the govt’s policies were encouraging lawlessness. He demanded a CBI probe into a recent Hardoi case, along with financial assistance and security for the victim’s family. He also criticised rising prices, including LPG cylinders, and alleged corruption and exploitation through smart meters. On Labour Day, he accused the BJP of weakening workers’ rights and called for the withdrawal of cases against labourers in Noida. He concluded by reiterating that all religious pilgrimages should receive govt support, calling it integral to India’s cultural fabric.
