Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made headlines on Wednesday with a controversial and misogynistic remark directed at RJD MLA Rekha Paswan during a heated session in the Bihar Assembly. This incident has sparked a significant backlash from opposition parties, particularly the RJD.
Nitish Kumar’s Misogynistic Comment
During the assembly session, Nitish Kumar was addressing the house amid demands from the opposition for reservation laws in Bihar to be included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. The atmosphere was tense, and opposition members were vocally protesting.
Kumar, visibly frustrated, addressed Rekha Paswan with a remark that many have condemned as misogynistic. He said, “You are a woman, do you know anything? Sit down and listen.” This comment quickly drew criticism from various quarters, including RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav.
Opposition’s Demands and Protest
The opposition was demanding that Bihar’s amended reservation laws be protected from judicial review by including them in the Ninth Schedule. They gathered in the well of the house, chanting slogans and disrupting proceedings. Nitish Kumar attempted to remind them of his administration’s efforts in conducting a caste survey and increasing quotas for SCs, STs, OBCs, and the extremely backward classes.
“The Patna High Court has set aside the reservation laws, and we have approached the Supreme Court. A formal request has also been made to the Centre to place these laws in the Ninth Schedule,” Kumar stated.
Despite his explanations, the opposition’s protest continued unabated, leading to the controversial exchange.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Strong Response
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was quick to condemn Nitish Kumar’s remark. He accused the Chief Minister of making “cheap, unwanted, uncivilized, rude and low-level comments on women,” which he described as a “very serious and worrying issue for the state.”
महिला हो कुछ जानती हो? महिलाओं पर ओछी, गैर वांछित, असभ्य, अशिष्ट एवं निम्नस्तरीय टिप्पणियाँ करना मा॰ मुख्यमंत्री नीतीश कुमार की आदत में शुमार हो चुका है। प्रदेश के लिए यह अत्यधिक गंभीर व चिंतनीय विषय है।
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) July 24, 2024
CM ने कुछ दिन पूर्व आदिवासी वर्ग की BJP की महिला MLA पर भी सुंदरता संबंधित… pic.twitter.com/XdTiok7uIU
“A few days ago, the CM had made a lewd comment on the beauty of a BJP woman MLA from the tribal class. Today, he made a comment on two-time Scheduled Caste woman MLA Rekha Paswan,” Tejashwi Yadav pointed out.
Nitish Kumar’s Political U-Turn
Nitish Kumar’s political journey has seen several alliances and breakups. After splitting with the NDA in 2022 to join hands with the RJD, he did a U-turn in 2024, returning to the NDA fold. This has added another layer of complexity to the current political dynamics in Bihar.
Historical Context of Gender Comments in Politics
Misogynistic comments in political arenas are not new, and Bihar’s political landscape has seen its fair share of such incidents. Nitish Kumar’s latest remark has once again brought this issue to the forefront, highlighting the need for respectful and inclusive dialogue in politics.
Legislative Measures and Gender Equality
The incident raises questions about the progress of gender equality in politics and legislative measures to ensure respectful conduct. It underscores the importance of training and sensitizing public representatives about gender sensitivity.
Public and Media Reaction
The media and public have reacted strongly to the incident, with many calling for a formal apology from Nitish Kumar. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions and debates about the remark, reflecting widespread disapproval.
Broader Implications for Nitish Kumar’s Leadership
This incident could have broader implications for Nitish Kumar’s leadership and his political future. It may affect his support base, particularly among women voters, and could influence the upcoming elections in Bihar.
Nitish Kumar’s remark in the Bihar Assembly has triggered a significant controversy, drawing criticism from opposition leaders and the public alike. The incident highlights ongoing issues of gender sensitivity in politics and the need for respectful discourse. As the political fallout continues, it remains to be seen how this will impact Bihar’s political landscape and Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
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