The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday issued a notice to Congress President Rahul Gandhi over his remark that the "PM ran away and asked a 'mahila' (woman) to defend him" in reference to the Lok Sabha debate by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Rafale deal last week. The NCW took offence to Rahul Gandhi's usage of 'mahila' in reference to Sitharaman. The letter was also critical of the Congress president's "be a man and answer my question" comment against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Condemning the "irresponsible and disparaging views", the NCW noted that the remarks are "extremely misogynistic, offensive, unethical and shows an extreme disrespect towards the dignity and honour of women in general".
Earlier in the day, NCW chief Rekha Sharma and Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi had locked horns on Twitter over the NCW initiating action against Rahul Gandhi's comments.
Madam I wish you figured the duties that come with your JOB-
— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) January 10, 2019
Where were you
When Unnao &Kathua happened?
Increased violence against women since 2014?
PM‘s words like Congress ki vidhwa, supnakha?
A misogynistic comment a day that came from BJP leaders?
Then, silence was golden? https://t.co/Gkk4WXhQVR
Wow. So as an individual you find it hard to even talk about the heinous crimes because a technicality gives you an excuse not to? I would advise you to brush up on your role& responsibilities to the women of this country. At least try to do a fair job as NCW chair. Thanks. https://t.co/bDQYrBxAa2
— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) January 10, 2019
Your job is to take action not talk& pay lip service to women’s issues. Waiting for you to send a notice to PM Modi for Supnakha&Congress ki Vidhwa. In case you havent seen the video or read the news will share!If you don’t you will prove that you are merely a political appointee https://t.co/pIkTH2TkjO
— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) January 10, 2019
The Congress president made the comment during a farmers' rally in Jaipur on Wednesday. "The watchman with a 56-inch chest ran away and told a woman, Sitharaman ji, defend me. I won't be able to defend myself, defend me... For two and a half hours, the woman could not defend him. I had asked a straight question answer yes or no but she couldn't answer," he said. The Congress chief used the word 'mahila' for a woman in his speech in Hindi.
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Later in the address, he accused the prime minister again of running away from the debate, but this time did not refer to the defence minister in the same manner.
In his public meeting a few hours later in Agra, Modi accused Congress leaders of insulting the country's women.
He said Defence Minister Sitharaman had floored the Opposition in the Lok Sabha by coming up with "fact after fact" on the Rafale deal.
"They are bent upon insulting a woman defence minister," he said, without naming Gandhi or mentioning the Jaipur rally.
"This is not an insult to a woman, but an insult to entire India's women power, for which these irresponsible leaders will have to pay the price," Modi added.
(With PTI inputs)
