A heated political dispute has arisen following derogatory comments directed at Bollywood actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Kangana Ranaut, triggering a clash between the BJP and the Congress party. Union Minister Anurag Thakur condemned the Congress party, accusing them of being anti-“shakti” (power) and therefore, anti-women, sisters, and daughters.
The controversy ignited when offensive remarks against Kangana Ranaut surfaced on the social media account of senior Congress leader Supriya Shrinate. Despite Shrinate denying personal involvement and attributing the comments to someone else with access to her accounts, the BJP demanded her dismissal from the party.
Anurag Thakur criticize Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, stating that their opposition to “shakti” inherently translates to opposition against women. He emphasized, “Mahila ka apmaan, nahi sahega Hindustan” (India will not tolerate disrespect towards women).
Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur joined the chorus of condemnation against the derogatory remarks, asserting that the entire region is outraged by the comments aimed at Kangana Ranaut, affectionately referred to as “Mandi’s daughter” due to her connection to the Mandi constituency.
Expressing dismay, Jairam Thakur clarified that the term “Mandi” carries historical and cultural significance, being named after the revered sage Mandavya Rishi, rather than holding any derogatory connotations as suggested by the remarks made against Ranaut.
In response to the uproar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) swiftly intervened, issuing a show cause notice to Supriya Shrinate for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The notice was prompted by a formal complaint lodged by the BJP, Ranaut’s party in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The ECI characterized the comments as “undignified and in bad taste,” prima facie violating the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and the Commission’s advisory issued on March 1, 2024. Shrinate has been given until March 29, 2024, 5:00 PM to respond to the notice.
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