The Election Commission's issuance of a show-cause notice to Congress leader Randeep Surjewala over his alleged undignified remarks against BJP MP Hema Malini has sparked a significant controversy in the political sphere.
The poll body's action comes in response to a video clip circulating on social media, purportedly showing Surjewala making derogatory comments about the actor-turned-politician.
In the notice, the EC also called upon Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to explain the steps taken to ensure adherence to its advisories on maintaining the honour and dignity of women in public discourse by party leaders.
Surjewala, in his defence, claimed that the video clip was distorted and edited, emphasising that he holds great respect for Hema Malini as she is married to veteran actor Dharmendra.
He attributed the dissemination of the video to the BJP's IT cell, alleging that they manipulated the clip to misrepresent his statements. However, the EC condemned the purported remarks as undignified, vulgar, and uncivilised, highlighting the harm caused to Malini's reputation and the broader disrespect to women in public life.
Reacting to the controversy, Hema Malini criticised the Congress, asserting that the party targets popular figures because attacking unpopular ones would not benefit them politically.
She emphasised the need for all politicians to learn respect for women from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Malini, who is seeking re-election from Mathura constituency in Uttar Pradesh, has been campaigning for her third consecutive term in the Lok Sabha.
The Election Commission's notice underscores the gravity of maintaining decorum and respect in political discourse, particularly concerning women politicians. It signals the EC's commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that political parties adhere to ethical standards during campaigning.
The controversy surrounding Surjewala's remarks serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible communication by political leaders and the potential repercussions of derogatory or offensive statements.
In the broader context of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the controversy adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape, especially in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura constituency.
With voting scheduled for the second phase on April 26, the incident has drawn attention to the conduct of political parties and candidates, raising questions about their commitment to gender equality and respectful engagement in public discourse.
As the electoral process unfolds, the actions taken by the Election Commission and the responses from political parties will shape the narrative surrounding issues of dignity, respect, and accountability in Indian democracy.
It remains to be seen how Surjewala, the Congress leadership, and other stakeholders navigate this controversy in the days leading up to the polls.
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