Bhopal: Bhopal witnessed a large-scale mobilisation of women on April 20 as thousands participated in the ‘Jan-Aakrosh Mahila Padyatra’ (Public Outrage Women’s March), voicing concerns over women’s rights and representation. Addressing the gathering, Mohan Yadav delivered a strongly worded speech, targeting the opposition and calling for nationwide attention to the issue.
Mass Mobilisation at ‘Jan-Aakrosh Mahila Padyatra’
The padyatra saw participation from women across urban and rural areas, who gathered in large numbers, carrying placards and raising slogans. The event highlighted growing political engagement among women and served as a platform to amplify their demands.
CM Mohan Yadav paid tribute to the women present and emphasised the need to take their concerns to the national stage, stating that the “outrage must be heard across the country.”
Read Also: Religious Tourism Push: ‘Parashurama–Shri Krishna Lok’ to Come Up at Janapav in Madhya Pradesh
CM Targets Opposition Over Women’s Rights
In a sharp political attack, CM Mohan Yadav criticised the Congress party and its leadership over the Women’s Reservation issue. He questioned the stance of Priyanka Gandhi, accusing the party of failing to uphold the rights of women.
He also made references to past political decisions, alleging that women’s rights had historically been compromised, including during debates around Triple Talaq legislation.
Call for Continued Struggle and Awareness
Urging women to remain steadfast, the Chief Minister called upon them to keep their resolve alive.
He invoked the legacy of social reformers and leaders such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Jyotiba Phule, B. R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, and Narendra Modi, stating that the fight for women’s rights has been a continuous journey across generations.
Government Signals Firm Support
CM Mohan Yadav asserted that the state government stands firmly with women and their decisions. He indicated that resolutions condemning opposition actions could be passed, even suggesting the possibility of convening a special session of the Legislative Assembly.
The march coincided with the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, adding symbolic significance to the mobilisation.
BJP Leadership Intensifies Criticism
Senior BJP leader and State President Hemant Khandelwal also addressed the gathering, calling the Women’s Reservation Bill a fundamental right rather than a political issue.
He criticised the opposition for failing to support the bill, stating that their stance had dealt a setback to the aspirations of women. He urged participants to carry the message of protest to every household and hold political opponents accountable.
Scenes from the Ground: Voices, Slogans, and Solidarity
The streets of Bhopal turned into a sea of demonstrators as women from villages and towns joined the march. Participants held posters with slogans demanding rights and representation.
Adding a cultural dimension to the event, noted singer Ambika Jain Amber performed and addressed the gathering, encouraging women to remain aware of their rights and assert their voices.
Political Messaging and Public Mobilisation: What It Signals
The ‘Jan-Aakrosh Mahila Padyatra’ reflects a broader effort to mobilise public opinion around women’s rights and political representation. The strong rhetoric from leadership indicates an attempt to position the issue at the centre of political discourse.
As debates around women’s empowerment and legislative representation continue, such mobilisations are likely to play a crucial role in shaping both public sentiment and policy direction in the coming months.
