“Samajwadi Party has a history of being anti-women”: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticised the Samajwadi Party, alleging that the party has a long-standing record of neglecting women’s empowerment and has done little to promote their participation in politics.
He accused the party of opposing efforts to advance women’s representation, particularly the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which seeks to reserve 33% of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. According to Modi, the Samajwadi Party’s demand for a caste census and sub-quotas stalled progress on the initiative.
The Prime Minister also said the party had drifted away from the principles of Ram Manohar Lohia, noting that Lohia’s vision was rooted in social justice and reform.
The debate comes as discussions continue over the implementation of the 33% reservation, which is tied to a future delimitation exercise. Several opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party, have expressed concerns over the delay and have called for additional provisions such as caste-based sub-quotas.
Modi said the moment offered an opportunity for the party to demonstrate its commitment to women’s empowerment, but argued it had failed to do so. He maintained that the government’s move represents a significant step toward greater gender equality in governance.
The remarks are part of a wider political debate over women’s reservation in India, with differing views on its scope, structure, and timeline continuing to shape discussions both in Parliament and in the public sphere.
