Members clash over inclusion of backward, Dalit and Muslim women in reservation; opposition says rights are not charity
LUCKNOW — The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly witnessed a heated and chaotic session as members clashed over the issue of Muslim reservation and the wider debate on women’s quota, with sharp exchanges between the opposition and the ruling side.
The controversy unfolded during discussions linked to the women’s reservation framework on Thursday, where opposition members demanded that backward, Dalit and Muslim women be given a clear share within the quota. The ruling side, however, accused the opposition of misleading the public and politicising the issue.
Leader of Opposition Lal Bihari Yadav questioned the government’s approach, arguing that the current proposal was being presented misleadingly.
“This is not about charity. We do not want alms, we want rights,” he said, stressing that reservations must include marginalised sections, including Muslim women.
He added that the women’s reservation law had already been passed earlier and approved, and questioned why it had not yet been implemented in full.
Other opposition leaders echoed similar concerns. Rajendra Chaudhary accused the government of misrepresenting the Bill and said, “This is essentially a delimitation exercise being presented as a women’s Bill. The government is playing with constitutional principles.”
The ruling party strongly defended its position and accused the opposition of blocking progress on women’s empowerment.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised opposition parties, saying they had an opportunity to support the legislation but failed to do so.
“They had a chance to change their image, but they lost it,” he said, adding that those opposing the Bill should explain their stand clearly before the public.
Ministers and ruling party members also rejected the demand for religion-based reservation. They argued that the Constitution does not provide for a reservation solely on religious grounds.
The discussion saw strong participation from women legislators on both sides.
Minister Vijay Laxmi Gautam said, “Women across the country are watching. This is about rights, not politics. Women will respond through their vote.”
Another minister, Pratibha Shukla, said that increasing women’s representation in Parliament and assemblies would allow them to raise their own issues directly.
On the other hand, opposition members insisted that without specific provisions for backward and minority women, the benefits of reservation would not reach all sections.
The debate soon turned into a confrontation, with members raising slogans and interrupting proceedings. At one point, women legislators from both sides gathered near the well of the House, shouting slogans against each other.
Opposition members carried placards and staged protests inside and outside the Assembly, accusing the government of ignoring key concerns. The ruling side responded with counter-slogans, leading to a brief disruption.
Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana intervened to restore order, asking members to maintain decorum.
The issue has become part of a wider political debate ahead of upcoming elections. Opposition leaders, including Shivpal Singh Yadav, accused the government of using the issue for political gain.
“The government is acting based on political calculations. If they implement the earlier law properly, we will support it,” he said.
Ruling party leaders, however, maintained that their focus is on ensuring greater participation of women in governance and decision-making.
The demand for including Muslim women within the reservation framework added another layer to the debate. Opposition members argued that ignoring minority women would weaken the purpose of the policy.
Ruling party members rejected this argument, stating that reservation cannot be framed purely on religious identity and must follow constitutional provisions.
The session ended with continued tension between the two sides, reflecting deep political divisions over representation, reservation and policy priorities.
While the government defended its approach as inclusive and forward-looking, the opposition maintained that without addressing the concerns of marginalised groups, including Muslims, the policy would remain incomplete.
The issue is likely to remain a major political talking point in the coming months as both sides prepare to take their arguments to the public.
