The National Commission for Women on Tuesday took cognizance of the alleged misogynistic comments made by Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Ajay Rai against Union minister Smriti Irani and asked him to appear before it on December 28. The commission observed that the remarks made by Rai were outrageous and extremely derogatory.
"The Commission has taken cognizance of the misogynistic remark made by Mr Rai. The remarks are outrageous and extremely derogatory and the Commission strongly condemns such statements. The Commission has scheduled a hearing in the matter and sent a notice to Mr Rai to appear before it on 28.12.2022 at 12 PM," the NCW said in a statement.
Rai stirred up a political storm on Monday after he allegedly said Irani comes to her constituency Amethi only to show "latkas" and "jhatkas", an unflattering reference to dance moves.
"Most of the factories in Amethi are on the verge of closure. Half of the factories in Jagdishpur industrial area are lying shut. Smriti Irani only comes, shows 'latka-jhatka', and leaves," Rai, who is a regional chief of the Congress party, said.
To a question on whether Rahul will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, Rai said Amethi seat is of the Gandhi family, and "it will remain so."
His comments drew sharp reaction from the Union minister who said both Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi should get their “misogynistic goons” a new script writer. Irani also dared Rahul to contest the 2014 elections from Amethi.
"Heard one of your provincial leaders have announced in an indecent manner that you would contest from Amethi in 2024. So is it definite that you will contest from Amethi? You won't run off to another seat? You won't be afraid??? PS: You & Mummy ji need to get your mysoginistic goons a new speechwriter," she tweeted, tagging Rahul.
Currently, Amethi is represented in Lok Sabha by Irani who had defeated Rahul by a margin of 55,120 votes in the 2019 elections.
The BJP also termed Rai's remarks as “anti-women”.
"The language used by the Congress has always been anti-women. It shows the culture and mindset of the Congress. And a party, which has given a woman prime minister to the nation, and which was headed by a woman president for a long time, such statements from its leader, is definitely shameful," UP BJP spokesperson Anand Dubey said.
