BJP leader Smriti Irani has strongly criticised the INDI alliance leaders for their alleged derogatory remarks against women. Irani, a former union minister, accused the leaders of making disrespectful comments about female candidates from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) whenever they contest elections or raise their voices.
She specifically mentioned Sita Soren in Jharkhand and Shaina NC in Maharashtra, pointing out that these women were targets of such remarks despite their political contributions and ideologies.
Irani questioned why the INDI alliance could not engage in debates about the current issues facing the country instead of resorting to personal attacks. According to her, discussing women based on their political party affiliation and gender is unacceptable.
“If they engage in debates over the real issues affecting women, then it would be more productive,” she said. She further emphasised that the INDI leaders should focus on important topics rather than making negative comments about women leaders who are striving for political change.
In her criticism, Smriti Irani also raised the question of whether voters would see any tangible improvement if the INDI alliance continued its trend of making disparaging comments about women.
She contrasted this behaviour with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who she said had made a significant step forward for women by passing a bill for 33% reservation for women in legislatures. Irani questioned the INDI alliance leaders' commitment to women’s issues when they failed to focus on security or other pressing concerns.
The controversy over derogatory comments involving women politicians escalated earlier in the week when, in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC was involved in a heated exchange with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sunil Raut.
The incident began when Raut allegedly referred to Shaina NC as “imported maal,” a term meant to insult her political affiliation and loyalty. Shaina, who is contesting the election from the Mumba Devi constituency, rejected the comment, expressing her deep disappointment.
She defended herself, asserting that she was a seasoned politician with 20 years of experience, and refused to be demeaned. “I am a woman, not a commodity,” she said, in a statement posted on X, referring to the insult.
The dispute intensified when Arvind Sawant, a Member of Parliament from the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, allegedly echoed similar derogatory sentiments by dismissing Shaina NC as an “imported” member of the party.
These remarks have not only sparked anger within political circles but have also raised questions about the treatment of women in politics. Shaina NC’s response highlighted her long-standing political career and her commitment to fighting for women's rights, which she vowed to continue regardless of these attacks.
The issue of derogatory remarks against women leaders also erupted in Jharkhand, where Sita Soren, a BJP candidate from the Jamtara constituency, broke down while responding to comments made by Congress leader Irfan Ansari.
Ansari had called her a “rejected” and “borrowed” player in a derogatory manner, which deeply offended Sita Soren and her supporters. The controversy led to a strong reaction from the tribal community, which decided to bar Ansari from entering their villages.
Sita Soren is contesting against Irfan Ansari in the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections as part of the BJP’s campaign. The comments made by Ansari were widely condemned, and Sita Soren’s emotional response highlighted the gravity of such remarks in a politically charged atmosphere.
In retaliation, the tribal community in Jharkhand announced its decision to restrict Ansari’s access to their villages, signalling the local population’s solidarity with Soren.
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