A recent statement by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the Assembly regarding the role of women’s education in population control has ignited a heated exchange between the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) and Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi.
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Mr. Kumar’s remarks in the Assembly have triggered a significant controversy, with political opponents accusing him of breaching the decorum of the House.
The comments also drew criticism from NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma, who called for an apology from the Bihar Chief Minister. She expressed her concerns, saying, “If a leader can make such comments so openly in a democracy, one can only imagine the horror the state must be enduring under his leadership.”
On behalf of every woman in this country, as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, I demand an immediate and unequivocal apology from the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar. His crass remarks in the Vidhan Sabha are an affront to the dignity and respect that… https://t.co/xNom7jqnzq
— Rekha Sharma (@sharmarekha) November 7, 2023
On behalf of every woman in this country, as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, I demand an immediate and unequivocal apology from the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar. His crass remarks in the Vidhan Sabha are an affront to the dignity and respect that… https://t.co/xNom7jqnzq
— Rekha Sharma (@sharmarekha) November 7, 2023
The NCW chief also called on women leaders from the Opposition, including Congress’s Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Aam Aadmi Party’s Atishi, and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, to condemn Mr. Kumar’s remarks. She urged them to join in demanding an apology from the Chief Minister.
In response, Priyanka Chaturvedi hit back, accusing the NCW chief of “selective silence” when it came to standing up for women’s rights. She unequivocally condemned derogatory language directed at women, regardless of their political affiliation, and expressed her belief that the Chief Minister would reconsider his choice of words and issue an apology.
My dear biased, politically motivated Madam, I do unequivocally condemn any language used for women which is derogatory-irrespective of my politics, even if it comes from an ally. I am also certain that Chief Minister will revisit his usage of words and apologise. Unfortunately… https://t.co/iRrhRSbfa7
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) November 7, 2023
My not so Dear Priyanka ji do you remember how you showed your inability to do anything against a leader who was once upon a time in your party when I showed you all the proofs of his deeds? How unbiased you were..remember? https://t.co/9s9rt1E3x1
— Rekha Sharma (@sharmarekha) November 7, 2023
What stopped you from taking action? In fact I had told you if you have the proof etc there’s nothing much I can do! Did I tie your hands, legs or seal your lips? You were in the position of power to do so! In fact you can still do it, but I know what’s stopping you, your love… https://t.co/UqwTHCHtk8
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) November 8, 2023
The exchange between the two escalated further, with the NCW chief alleging that she had previously provided Ms. Chaturvedi with evidence against a former party colleague, but Chaturvedi had not taken any action.
In response, Chaturvedi questioned why the NCW chief had not taken action herself, emphasizing that she had the power to do so. She challenged the NCW chief to make the allegations public and pursue appropriate action, urging her to fulfill her responsibilities to the chair and refrain from engaging in online conflicts.
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Subsequently, Nitish Kumar has issued an apology for his controversial remarks.