SP, Cong missed chance to shed ‘anti-women image’: Yogi
Yogi Adityanath accuses Samajwadi Party and Congress of failing to reform their reputations on women's issues despite political opportunities.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath publicly criticized the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress for missing a "chance to shed their anti-women image," a charge loaded with significant political ramifications ahead of upcoming elections. This critique, reported by Hindustan Times on April 21, 2026, positions the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) record on women’s rights and safety as a standout achievement compared to their rivals in the state.
Why the focus on women's image matters politically
Yogi’s comments come in a broader context where women's issues, including safety, empowerment, and political representation, are central to voter concerns in Uttar Pradesh—India's most populous and politically pivotal state. The BJP's narrative centers on leveraging its 11-year tenure under Narendra Modi at the national level and Yogi's leadership in UP to highlight progress in women’s welfare schemes, law and order improvements, and enhanced participation of women in the workforce.
The SP and Congress have faced historical criticism for their governance periods marked by allegations of neglecting women’s safety and rights, particularly during the SP's state rule in the 2010s. Efforts to counteract this perception appear insufficient, according to Yogi, adding pressure on these parties to effectively communicate any policy reforms or leadership commitments that prioritize women.
This critique aligns with a larger BJP strategy of appropriation of socially sensitive issues to frame opposition parties as regressive or negligent, aiming to consolidate a key demographic—women voters—who are increasingly assertive in their political expectations.
Implications for Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape
The BJP’s framing attempts to consolidate its image as the protector and promoter of women’s interests, which could deepen the divide with opposition parties struggling to shake off past reputational burdens. Given Uttar Pradesh’s critical role in national politics, winning women's votes may decisively shape the BJP's ability to maintain its dominance.
However, the SP and Congress could still pivot by proposing concrete women-centric policies and elevating female leadership within their ranks to alter public perceptions. The gap that Yogi highlighted opens a political opportunity for effective opposition messaging centered on gender justice and equity.
What to watch next
- Whether SP and Congress respond with tangible policy initiatives or symbolic gestures to reshape their image on women's issues.
- How BJP leverages this narrative in campaign messaging and voting outreach, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas of Uttar Pradesh where women's electoral participation is growing.
- The role of civil society and media in scrutinizing party records on gender issues and influencing voter attitudes.
This focus on women's political image is a critical front in Uttar Pradesh's electoral battles, influencing candidate selection, campaign priorities, and ultimately voter behavior in a state that shapes India's national political contours.
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India Politics and Global Politics.
Source: 
Hindustan Times
