Jamtara district administration in Jharkhand registered an FIR against Congress candidate and incumbent Minister Irfan Ansari for Model Code of Conduct violation on Saturday.
Ansari was booked for an alleged statement he made against his rival candidate Sita Soren of BJP, who is also contesting the polls from Jamtara constituency.
Ansari filed his nomination on October 24 in Jamtara, where he reportedly made controversial remarks against BJP leader Sita Soren. Acting on the directions of the District Election Officer, a case was registered to investigate the matter.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has also taken notice of the incident, ordering an inquiry into the alleged remarks. A formal letter was sent to key officials, including L. Khiangte (Chief Secretary), Vandana Dadel (Principal Secretary), Dr. Ehtesham Vakarib (Jamtara SP), Ajay Kumar Singh (Director General of Police), and Kumud Sahay (Jamtara Deputy Commissioner).
According to the letter, various media outlets reported that Ansari used derogatory language toward Sita Soren. The Commission has demanded that an investigation report be submitted within three days. The letter warns that if the response is delayed, the Commission may use its authority as a civil court under the Indian Constitution.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have strongly criticised Ansari’s comments, calling for action against him. On Saturday, BJP election in-charge and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan demanded Ansari’s removal from Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s cabinet.
Chouhan condemned the remarks, saying that Irfan Ansari's words were not only disrespectful to Sita Soren but also an insult to all women in Jharkhand.
He highlighted that Sita Soren is the widow of late Durga Soren, daughter-in-law of veteran leader Shibu Soren, and sister-in-law of CM Hemant Soren. "Sita Soren is a respected leader, and such language is unacceptable," Chouhan remarked.
Union Minister and Koderma MP Annapurna Devi also slammed Ansari’s statement, calling it deeply offensive. She criticised the Congress party, claiming that Ansari’s comments reflect its anti-women stance.
"This incident exposes Congress's regressive mentality toward women," she said, urging people to oppose such behaviour.
Annapurna Devi further demanded that Ansari be removed from his position and his party ticket revoked. She accused Congress of fostering a culture that tolerates and encourages such disrespectful conduct toward women.
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