‘Naari Shakti Virodhi’: BJP Slams Congress Over Zero Women in State Cabinets
BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan accuses Congress of a "Naari Shakti virodhi mentality" over zero women ministers in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of harboring a "Naari Shakti virodhi mentality". The controversy erupted after it was highlighted that women have been completely excluded from the state cabinets in both Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh.
BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice these allegations, linking the lack of female representation in these cabinets to a deeper, systemic issue within the Congress leadership's attitude toward women.
The Spark: Resignation in Karnataka
The BJP's offensive was triggered by an ANI report regarding the resignation of Sowmya Reddy, the Karnataka Pradesh Mahila Congress president. In her resignation, Reddy expressed serious concerns over the total absence of women ministers in the Karnataka state Cabinet.
Reacting to this, Kesavan stated that the decision to deny even a single representative position to women in the Karnataka Cabinet exposes a "deeply discriminatory and misogynistic mindset" among the top brass of the Congress party.
Targeting Rahul Gandhi
The BJP spokesperson specifically targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming a sharp contradiction between his public rhetoric and the party's actions. Kesavan alleged that while Gandhi frequently talks about "smashing the patriarchy," the reality is that the party leadership continues to demean the dignity of women.
To support these claims, Kesavan pointed toward several alleged incidents, including:
- Reported inappropriate behavior by Rahul Gandhi toward a female police officer.
- An incident where a female journalist was allegedly shoved aside.
Historical and Religious Allegations
The BJP’s critique extended beyond current cabinet appointments, diving into the historical record of the Congress party. Kesavan argued that the Congress has been fundamentally opposed to women's empowerment, noting that the party failed to implement the Women’s Reservation Bill despite holding power at the Centre for nearly six decades.
The spokesperson also brought up the Shah Bano judgment, alleging that the Congress disempowered women by overturning the court's decision.
Broadening the Attack
The attack further expanded to include allegations of disrespect toward religious and national sentiments. Kesavan claimed that:
- Rahul Gandhi mocked and insulted Chhathi Maiya in Bihar.
- The Congress party used "uncouth" language to abuse the late mother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- From the era of Jawaharlal Nehru to Rahul Gandhi, the party has consistently insulted Vande Mataram, which the BJP describes as the highest expression of reverence for Bharat Mata.
By linking the current cabinet compositions in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka to these historical and personal grievances, the BJP aims to paint the Congress as a party that is fundamentally opposed to the empowerment and respect of women in India.