The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced the appointment of office-bearers for the state’s Women’s Commission. Notably, Aparna Yadav, the sister-in-law of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, has been appointed as a vice chairperson of the panel. This appointment has sparked considerable interest given Aparna Yadav’s recent political journey.
Aparna Yadav is the wife of Prateek Yadav, the son of Mulayam Singh Yadav’s second wife, Sadhana Gupta. She contested the 2017 assembly elections from the Lucknow Cantt seat, securing the second position with approximately 63,000 votes. However, she was defeated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, Rita Bahuguna Joshi.
In January 2022, Aparna Yadav made a significant political shift by joining the BJP. She stated at the time, “I am very thankful to BJP. The nation always comes first for me. I admire PM Modi’s work,” highlighting her reasons for joining the saffron party. This move was seen as a surprise by many, considering her family’s affiliation with the Samajwadi Party.
The BJP, under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, emerged victorious in the 2022 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, securing 255 seats out of the 403-member house. The Samajwadi Party won 111 seats.
The appointment of Aparna Yadav to the Women’s Commission is a clear indication of the BJP’s efforts to consolidate its position in Uttar Pradesh. It remains to be seen how her appointment will impact the political landscape of the state.
