Lucknow, April 20 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday lashed out at the INDIA bloc for opposing the Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment Bill in Parliament, calling their move not only against women's dignity but also an unpardonable sin that the women of the country will never forgive. Addressing a press conference at the BJP state unit office in Lucknow, the chief minister said the Opposition's celebrations and irresponsible comments after the bill failed to pass in Parliament reminded the nation of the painful episode in Indian history when an attempt was made to disrobe Draupadi in a royal court. "It's unfortunate for both democracy and women's dignity. This conduct exposes the anti-women mindset of the Opposition leaders," he said. He asserted the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) stands united with the women of the state, who are angered by the Opposition's conduct. "Women across the country should oppose the anti-women behaviour of the Opposition parties. Any attempt to obstruct women's leadership will not be tolerated, and the NDA will firmly support women in their pursuit of rights and dignity," he said. He recalled that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014 he clearly stated that the country recognises four primary categories: the poor, youth, farmers and women. "Those who nurtured the politics of caste divisions for personal gain found this vision a challenge. Therefore, every progressive reform introduced under the Prime Minister's leadership has faced resistance from Congress and its allies," Adityanath said. The INDIA bloc repeatedly acted as a barrier to initiatives aimed at empowering all sections of society, he said. The chief minister said the Nari Shakti Vandan Act was passed in 2023 and when women's and social organizations demanded its implementation by 2029 instead of 2034, the Prime Minister responded by introducing an amendment after consultations. Concerns raised by some states about potential loss of representation were addressed with assurances that no state's share would be reduced, and additional seats would be created to ensure 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, he said. Countering the argument raised by some parties regarding reservation for Muslim women within the bill, the chief minister said such demands contradict the spirit of the Constitution, recalling that during its framing, religion-based reservations were rejected by leaders, including BR Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Referring to the Shah Bano case, the chief minister questioned the silence of those now advocating for Muslim women's rights. He pointed out that when the central government enacted a law banning triple talaq, the same parties opposed it, revealing their inconsistency and double standards. Highlighting key initiatives taken by the NDA government for women, the chief minister mentioned Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which aims to improve the child sex ratio and prevent female foeticide. Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and Mission Indradhanush have strengthened maternal and child health, leading to reductions in mortality rates, he said. In Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister Kanya Sumangala Yojana provides financial support from birth through education, offering a total benefit of Rs.25,000. Under the Ujjwala Yojana, 11 crore families nationwide, including 1.90 crore in Uttar Pradesh, have received LPG connections, significantly improving women's health and dignity, he said. The talked about a number of government schemes benefitti g women in the state. Over one crore women are associated with self-help groups and are achieving economic independence. Initiatives like Lakhpati Didi, BC Sakhi and women-led milk producer programs in Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi and Gorakhpur have empowered women in the rural areas, he said. He accused the Samajwadi Party of failing to rise above its past and contribute constructively. Their leaders prioritise personal and family interests over public welfare, he said....