Image Credits - The Indian Express
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has come under scrutiny and faced criticism following a contentious exchange with RJD MLA Rekha Devi during a legislative session in the state assembly. The incident unfolded when Devi was addressing Kumar during proceedings, prompting a dismissive retort from the Chief Minister.
In response to Devi’s remarks, Kumar allegedly retorted, “You are a woman, don’t you know anything?” His comment has sparked outrage among opposition members and women’s rights advocates, who have condemned the remark as demeaning and derogatory.
The exchange occurred amidst heated debates over various issues in the assembly, with tensions running high between the ruling coalition and opposition parties. Devi, a vocal member of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), had reportedly raised pertinent questions during the session, seeking answers from the Chief Minister on matters of public interest.
Following Kumar’s remark, there has been widespread condemnation from political circles and civil society organizations. Opposition leaders have accused Kumar of displaying insensitivity towards gender equality and respect for women parliamentarians. They have called for an apology from the Chief Minister, emphasizing the need for dignity and decorum in legislative proceedings.
Women’s rights activists have also weighed in, highlighting the importance of addressing gender biases and stereotypes in public discourse. They assert that such remarks undermine efforts towards gender equality and reinforce harmful stereotypes about women’s capabilities and contributions in governance and public life.
In response to the backlash, Kumar’s office has not issued an official statement, but discussions are ongoing within political circles regarding the incident’s implications for public perception and gender-sensitive governance.
As debates continue to unfold, the incident underscores broader concerns about gender equality and respectful conduct within legislative bodies, urging for accountability and sensitivity towards gender issues in political discourse.