NCP condemns Cong over remarks against Sunetra Pawar, questions its stance on Indira Gandhi’s legacy

Mumbai: The Sunetra Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday slammed the Congress party over its recent social media post directed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP National President Sunetra Ajit Pawar.

The Congress party in its post said, “Sunetra Pawar, how many more days will she remain a ‘mute doll’!”

Reacting sharply against the Congress party, the NCP chief spokesperson Umesh Patil asked, “Is Congress implicitly validating the historical criticism aimed at former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi by resorting to the derogatory phrase ‘Gungi Gudiya’ (mute doll)?” He strongly condemned the Congress party while launching a scathing critique.

Patil emphasised that while ideological differences and policy critiques are integral to a democracy, language that disrespects women has no place in political discourse.

Recalling historical parallels, Patil pointed out that similar disparaging remarks were made by political opponents against Indira Gandhi during the early stages of her career. “However, Indira Gandhi chose to respond through action and achievement rather than rhetoric. Her decisive leadership during the Bangladesh Liberation War and her firm stance on national security ultimately earned her global recognition as a formidable leader, drawing praise even from rival political figures,” he noted.

Patil questioned Congress’ consistency, asking why the party was employing against a female public representative the very same terminology that it once condemned as unjust and offensive to women. He asked whether Congress’ current usage implies a retroactive acceptance of the past criticism targeted at Indira Gandhi.

Stressing that the issue extends beyond party lines, Patil highlighted that it reflects on the broader political culture and the treatment of women in public life. Democracy allows for intense debate and sharp criticism on policies, but derogatory language against women undermines public decorum, he asserted.

Concluding his statement, Umesh Patil demanded that Congress retract the offensive remarks and uphold a standard of dignified political dialogue in public life.

Further, the party functionary Suraj Chavan also criticised the Congress party, saying that “Congress has a tradition of civilised politicians’ ideology. The current Congress has drifted away from its ideology and the people. A woman’s respect must be shown not just through speeches but through thoughts. However, with its social media posts, the Congress party’s mental state becomes evident. The Congress in Maharashtra has fallen into the hands of fragmented leadership.”

IANS