Uttar Pradesh Minister Accuses Akhilesh Yadav of Misleading on Women's Reservation Bill

In a recent political exchange, Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar accused Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav of dishonesty regarding the women's reservation bill. Rajbhar claimed that Yadav's opposition was motivated by a fear of the BJP receiving credit for the legislation. Meanwhile, Yadav defended his position, asserting that no opposition party is against women's reservation and called for the inclusion of marginalized communities in the reservation framework. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities surrounding women's representation in politics and the differing perspectives within the state's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 20, 2026, 14:20 IST

Minister's Allegations Against Akhilesh Yadav

Om Prakash Rajbhar, a minister from Uttar Pradesh, has accused Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, of spreading falsehoods regarding the opposition to the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill concerning women's reservation. Rajbhar asserted that Yadav's resistance stemmed from a belief that the credit for the bill would go to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking to a news outlet, he questioned the motives behind the opposition, stating, 'What was the conspiracy? He is lying. The BJP is ready to provide 33% reservation for women. He thought the credit would go to the BJP, which is why he opposed it.'

Akhilesh Yadav's Response

Previously, Akhilesh Yadav had dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on the women's reservation bill as insincere. He clarified that no opposition party is against the reservation for women legislators and emphasized the need to include Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in the reservation framework. During a press interaction in Rewari on Sunday, he stated, 'We all support women's reservation. No opposition party is against it.' Many in Uttar Pradesh had hoped that the Prime Minister would announce a future female Prime Minister during his address, but those expectations were not met.

Call for Inclusive Reservation

Yadav further asserted that there is no opposition to reservation for women. He believes that if half of the population is to be respected, then backward, Dalit, minority, and tribal communities should also be included in the reservation scheme. On April 18, Prime Minister Modi criticized the opposition for hindering the women's reservation bill, claiming that their resistance has crushed the dreams of women despite the government's efforts.