UP Governor Anandiben Patel Warns Women Against Live-In Relationships Citing Violence Concerns

During a convocation ceremony in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel generated controversy with her remarks discouraging women from entering live-in relationships, drawing connections to violence against women.

Addressing students at the event, she stated, "I want to say only one thing to the girls. Live-in relationships have become a trend these days. But, stay away from it."

The governor, who serves as chancellor of state universities, followed this advice with a stark warning: "Otherwise, you must have seen women being chopped up into 50 pieces."

She was speaking at the 47th convocation ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith in Varanasi.

Expressing her personal distress regarding news reports of partner violence, Patel remarked, "I have been hearing such news for the past few days. And I keep thinking, why do our daughters do this? It pains me."

She also shared a conversation with a judge who expressed concerns about women's safety, saying, "The judge said that awareness campaigns should be launched in the universities so that young women can protect themselves against exploitation."

This marks the second instance in recent days where the governor has made controversial statements about live-in relationships at university functions.

Just two days earlier, while speaking at the seventh convocation ceremony of Jananayak Chandrashekhar University in Ballia, she discussed what she described as consequences of live-in arrangements.

She suggested that visiting orphanages would reveal these consequences, claiming, "You will see 15 to 20-year-old girls standing in line with one-year-old babies."

The governor additionally used the platform to express concerns about increasing drug use among youth, stating she would be pleased when every young person in the state is free from substance abuse.