Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress, is currently on a political campaign in Uttar Pradesh known as the “Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra.” While aiming to garner support for the upcoming general elections, Gandhi has stirred controversy with remarks captured on camera and circulating widely on social media.
Among his comments, Gandhi lamented the absence of certain social groups, including Dalits and the President, from the Ram Temple dedication event in Ayodhya, viewing it as a slight to these marginalized communities. Additionally, he faced backlash for a statement directed at a journalist and his remark about the future of Uttar Pradesh.
However, it was Rahul Gandhi’s derogatory statement concerning actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan that drew the most criticism.
During a speech at the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra,’ Gandhi criticized the exclusion of certain communities from the temple event and remarked,
By inviting industrialists and Amitabh Bachchan to the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, Modi gave the message that the country’s 73 percentage of people has no importance.”
He further added,
“Aishwarya will be seen dancing and Bachchan saab will do a Balle Balle!”
These comments were met with widespread disapproval. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla attributed Gandhi’s remarks to political frustration, highlighting his electoral setbacks and diminishing support for the yatra.
Notably, singer Sona Mohapatra joined the chorus of criticism against Gandhi’s comments. Known for her outspoken views on sexism and societal issues, Mohapatra took to Twitter to express her reaction.
She questioned the tendency of politicians to demean women for political gain in a patriarchal society and reminded Gandhi of the need for more respectful discourse.
What’s with politicians demeaning women in their speeches to get some brownie points in a sexist landscape?Dear #RahulGandhi ,sure someone has demeaned your own mother, sister similarly in the past & irrespective you ought to know better? Also, #AishwaryaRai dances beautifully.
What’s with politicians demeaning women in their speeches to get some brownie points in a sexist landscape?Dear #RahulGandhi ,sure someone has demeaned your own mother, sister similarly in the past & irrespective you ought to know better? Also, #AishwaryaRai dances beautifully.🙏🏾
— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) February 21, 2024
“Dancing like a courtesan” is indeed a compliment you Foolish illiterate Putra. From Amrapali, Barani, Purasati to even Umrao Jaan, the courtesans of Indian history were treasure troves & revered for their art, artistry & command over languages & poetry, performing arts. 🧚🏿♀️🔴 https://t.co/eU88SZ1tLs
— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) February 21, 2024
Mohapatra’s defense of Aishwarya Rai’s dancing performance also sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of women in public discourse. Her critique urged a more thoughtful consideration of women’s roles and responsibilities in politics and beyond.
