Debate Erupts Over Women's Empowerment Motion in UP Assembly

In a special session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey raised objections to a motion on women's empowerment, asserting that it falls outside the state government's jurisdiction. The debate centered on the right of the Assembly to discuss such state and central government issues.

During the one-day special session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey raised concerns over a motion about women's empowerment, asserting it was beyond the state's jurisdiction. This motion was introduced on Thursday amidst procedural objections.

Pandey, a former Assembly speaker, stressed that the women's reservation bill falls under Parliament’s domain. However, he clarified that the Samajwadi Party is not against women's empowerment or reservation. The party objected to the phrasing in the motion, alleging obstacles to the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.'

In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna noted that the focus was on women's empowerment, not reservation, emphasizing the procedural adherence of introducing the motion. Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana upheld the motion under Rule 103, affirming the Assembly's competence to discuss public interest issues.