Congress leader Pratap Dudhat’s controversial remarks in response to BJP leader Bhupat Bhayani’s objectionable comments about Rahul Gandhi have sparked a heated debate in Gujarat’s political arena. It is not the first time that Congress leaders have shown their true colours by demeaning women.
In a viral video, Dudhat can be heard responding to Bhayani’s derogatory statements about Rahul Gandhi, where Bhayani referred to him using offensive language. In retaliation, Dudhat suggested that those doubting Rahul Gandhi’s masculinity should send their sisters and daughters to him to verify.
Dudhat’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemning his comments as distasteful and reflective of the Congress party’s attitude towards women. Jubin Ashra, Co-Convenor of the Gujarat State BJP Media Department, shared the video, denouncing Dudhat’s statement as appalling and emblematic of Congress’s ethos.
Pratap Dudhat, a former MLA and current Amreli District Congress President, made the controversial statement during a political event. Dudhat, who lost the Savarkundla assembly seat to a BJP candidate in 2022, has been vocal in his support for the Congress party.
The exchange between Dudhat and Bhayani underscores the intense political rivalry in Gujarat, especially with the upcoming elections on the horizon. Both parties are actively campaigning and seeking to sway public opinion in their favour.
Congress has a history of making derogatory remarks against women. Recently, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala faced wrath for making misogynist comments against BJP MP from Mathura and Bollywood actress Hema Malini. Hooda said, “MLA MP kyun banaate hain…koi Hema Malini toh hai nahi jo Chaa*ne ke liye banate hain,” says shameless Congress leader Randeep Surjewala.”
“MLA MP kyun banaate hain…koi Hema Malini toh hai nahi jo Chaa*ne ke liye banate hain”: says shameless Congress leader Randeep Surjewala.
Waiting for an apology where he’ll say my mouth was hacked, it wasn’t me who said that. #hemamalini pic.twitter.com/7axnWOpcXB
— Diksha Kandpal🇮🇳 (@DikshaKandpal8) April 3, 2024
The Election Commission of India did take cognisance of the remarks made by Hoods and barred him from campaigning for two days.
ECI issues notice to Congress leader Randeep Surjewala for his comments against BJP leader Hema Malini; response sought by April 11, 2024 (5 pm)
ECI demands action from the INC President on ensuring respectful public discourse towards women by party leaders and functionaries;…
— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2024
BJP’s Amit Malviya took Hooda and the Congress party head on for such remarks and added that they are those people who are misogynistic and abhor women.
Another such incident, which was more appalling, was when Supriya Shrinate, on her social media Instagram account, posted on actress Kangana Ranuat, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Mandi. On her instagram account, Shrinate had said, “Kya bhav chal raha hai Mandi main koi batayega (Can someone say what is the going rate in Mandi?)”, referring to the actor and her constituency in a demeaning manner.”
In response, Ranuat took to X, where she stated, ““We must free our daughters from the shackles of prejudice; we must rise above the curiosity about their body parts; and above all, we must refrain from using sex workers challenging lives or circumstances as some kind of abuse or slur… every woman deserves her dignity…”
Meanwhile, it is important to mention that, at the time of the announcement of the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had said that political leaders should refrain from using derogatory languages.
However, as the political landscape heats up, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining civility and respect in political discourse, regardless of party affiliations.
