Mallikarjun Kharge Vs Nirmala Sitharaman Over Congress President's “Weak Women” Remarks
The tabled Women Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha erupted a heated discussion in Rajya Sabha. While addressing the house, Congress President, and Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge remarked that political parties are selecting weak women for candidacy, and it caused war of words with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
“Literacy rate of women from Scheduled Castes is less and that is why political parties have a habit of choosing weak women. They never choose those who are educated and can fight,” said Mr. Kharge.
In response to sudden outburst of protest over his remarks, he said “What half ticket? We are talking about one-third ticket… Sit down and be quiet… I have an idea how backward, Scheduled Caste people are chosen by parties”.
Ms. Sitharaman, then responds to Congress President’s comment and said that such “sweeping statements” are unacceptable. She adds that they have all been empowered by BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We respect the leader of the opposition but to make a sweeping statement that all parties choose women who are not effective is absolutely unacceptable. I speak on behalf of all women. We all have been empowered by our party, by our Prime Minister. President Droupadi Murmu is an empowered woman…” Minister said.
She then added that making sweeping statements might represent Congress, “but I object to him making a sweeping generalisation of all parties.”
To which, Mr. Kharge responded, “Women who are from backward classes. Scheduled Castes, do not have the opportunities which she had.”
Ms. Sitharaman shot back and reminded Mr. Kharge of the President Droupadi Murmu and continued, “I am sorry… Opposition leader cannot please insult people like this… Cannot draw differentiation between women.”
Both, Ms. Sitharaman and Mr. Kharge expressed disagreements earlier over the Goods and Services Tax, as well.
Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar asked both of them to give their statements in writing by the end of the day.
