Ahead of the Jharkhand assembly polls, a controversy has erupted surrounding alleged derogatory remarks made by minister Irfan Ansari about BJP leader Sita Soren. The remarks, reportedly made after Ansari filed his nomination papers for the Jamtara constituency, have drawn widespread condemnation. Sita Soren, who is contesting against Irfan Ansari, broke down while recounting the incident.
Mr. Ansari has been targeting me ever since my candidacy for this seat was announced. However, the derogatory remarks he made after filing his nomination are unacceptable and an affront to the women of the tribal community. The tribal community will not forgive him for this, she stated, her voice trembling.
Since my husband is no longer alive, he [Ansari]... she continued, breaking down in tears.
Sita Soren, the wife of JMM chief Shibu Soren's eldest son, Durga Soren, joined the BJP earlier this year after a rift with her family regarding the chief minister's position. This fallout occurred following Hemant Soren, Shibu Soren's younger son, resigning from the post and subsequently being jailed in a money laundering case.
As she became emotional, BJP's Nawada MP Vivek Thakur, who was with her, attempted to comfort her.
In response to the Congress leader's comments, Thakur condemned the remarks, stating that the BJP would stage protests not just in Jamtara but throughout the state.
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) acknowledged Mr. Ansari's comments and issued a notice to the Jharkhand government, requesting a report within three days.
Mahila Congress chief Alka Lamba condemned Ansari's remarks, asserting that such comments have no place in political discourse. Lamba said that the need for legal action, citing that Congress governments in various states have implemented strict laws to combat crimes against women. She stated, Whether it is a person inside the party or outside, crime should be seen as crime. If you have said something verbally or caused physical harm, all kinds of laws have been made in the Congress government after the Nirbhaya incident.
Lamba firmly denounced the comments, adding, We never support this. Whether it is Irfan Ansari or anyone else, if a woman belongs to any party, we condemn this comment and oppose it. We demand legal action on it. She also assured that once a new government is formed, the Congress party will ensure fair action and punishment regarding the case.
In response to the controversy, the Jharkhand BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Ansari, accusing him of making derogatory remarks that insult both the tribal community and widows in the state. The BJP's complaint requested the commission to prevent Ansari from filing his nomination and urged for a criminal case to be registered against him.
Sita Soren shared a video of the alleged remarks on social media platform X, calling for an apology from the Congress minister.
It must be noted that the Congress party has often touted its commitment to women's empowerment; however, controversial statements made by its leaders have raised significant concerns. Observers note that some party officials seem to regard women merely as a vote bank, failing to honor their rights and dignity. Despite the party's advocacy of the slogan I am a girl, I can fight, it appears to remain mired in a mindset that perpetuates the notion that she is a girl, so I can say anything.
The Jharkhand BJP has targeted Hemant Soren, stating, Hemant Soren, it is disgraceful that you silently support those who use such indecent language against an Adivasi woman who is your sister-in-law, the wife of your late elder brother. If a person cannot protect the dignity of his sister-in-law, how can he safeguard the rights of the daughters and sisters of Jharkhand?
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the BJP's election in-charge for Jharkhand, remarked, Those who run a shop of love are merchants of hatred. They insult mothers, sisters, and daughters daily. Election co-in-charge Himanta Biswa Sarma added, Hemant Soren has lost his voice regarding the insult to his sister-in-law because the respect for an Adivasi woman is not a priority for him; the vote bank is.
This is not the first time Congress leaders have made derogatory statements about women. From Rahul Gandhi to Digvijaya Singh, several Congress leaders have previously issued anti-women remarks.
During the Haryana Assembly elections in 2024, the party faced backlash over similar comments made by Congress leaders and activists, including vulgar remarks by Congress MP Jay Prakash. The situation escalated to the point where opposition leader Bhupender Singh Hooda had to issue clarifications.
In the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi made a controversial remark regarding actress Aishwarya Rai, suggesting that media coverage is more focused on her dancing than on farmers and laborers. These media houses are owned by Adani and Ambani, and they never showcase the plight of the poor, he stated during the Bharat Jodo Justice Yatra in Varanasi.
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, in 2013, referred to Congress MP Meenakshi Natarajan as 100% genuine. When the remark sparked controversy, he clarified that he intended to compliment her by saying she was pure gold.
Delhi's former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit once remarked that girls should not be too adventurous and should wear modest clothing. Congress leader Abhijit Mukherjee faced backlash for stating that women protesting against the 2012 Delhi gang rape were well-groomed women who know nothing about reality.
In 2012, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam made derogatory comments about Smriti Irani during a TV debate, saying, Yesterday you were dancing for money, and today you are teaching politics. Haryana Congress leader Kiran Chaudhary suggested that women should stay home and take care of children, which limited women's freedoms and working rights.
Several Congress women leaders, including Radhika Khera, resigned from the party, citing disrespect towards women within the party. These statements illustrate a lack of seriousness regarding women's issues in the Congress party. They not only signify disrespect towards women but also indicate a need for a shift in the party's mindset.
If the Congress party advocates for women's empowerment and equality, it must improve its leaders' statements and ideologies. Otherwise, these controversies will significantly tarnish the party's image.
These statements by Congress leaders are indicative of a persistent trend where they issue anti-women remarks and attempt to downplay the controversies by offering apologies or explanations, as seen in the case of Sita Soren. Irfan Ansari initially made derogatory comments but later sought forgiveness when the issue escalated. Meanwhile, Alka Lamba, the president of the All India Mahila Congress, stated that the party does not support any controversial statements or comments, including those made by Irfan Ansari, and emphasized that action should be taken in this matter. With the model code of conduct currently in effect for the Jharkhand elections, the party will look into possible actions regarding the incident.