Irfan Ansari’s Derogatory Remarks on Sita Soren Spark Outrage Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly Polls
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In a significant development, a controversy has erupted surrounding derogatory remarks made by minister Irfan Ansari about BJP leader Sita Soren ahead of the Jharkhand assembly polls. The remarks, reportedly made after Ansari filed his nomination papers for the Jamtara constituency, have drawn widespread condemnation. Sita Soren, who is contesting against Irfan Ansari, broke down while recounting the incident.
"Mr. Ansari has been targeting me ever since my candidacy for this seat was announced. However, the derogatory remarks he made after filing his nomination are unacceptable and an affront to the women of the tribal community. The tribal community will not forgive him for this," she stated, her voice trembling.
"Since my husband is no longer alive, he [Ansari]..." she continued, breaking down in tears.
Sita Soren, the wife of JMM chief Shibu Soren's eldest son, Durga Soren, joined the BJP earlier this year after a rift with her family regarding the chief minister's position. This fallout occurred following Hemant Soren, Shibu Soren's younger son, resigning from the post and subsequently being jailed in a money laundering case.
As she became emotional, BJP's Nawada MP Vivek Thakur, who was with her, attempted to comfort her.
In response to the Congress leader's comments, Thakur condemned the remarks, stating that the BJP would stage protests not just in Jamtara but throughout the state.
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) acknowledged Mr. Ansari's comments and issued a notice to the Jharkhand government, requesting a report within three days.
Mahila Congress chief Alka Lamba condemned Ansari's remarks, asserting that such comments have no place in political discourse. Lamba said that the need for legal action, citing that Congress governments in various states have implemented strict laws to combat crimes against women. She stated, "Whether it is a person inside the party or outside, crime should be seen as crime. If you have said something verbally or caused physical harm, all kinds of laws have been made in the Congress government after the Nirbhaya incident."
Lamba firmly denounced the comments, adding, "We never support this. Whether it is Irfan Ansari or anyone else, if a woman belongs to any party, we condemn this comment and oppose it. We demand legal action on it." She also assured that once a new government is formed, the Congress party will ensure fair action and punishment regarding the case.
In response to the controversy, the Jharkhand BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Ansari, accusing him of making derogatory remarks that insult both the tribal community and widows in the state. The BJP's complaint requested the commission to prevent Ansari from filing his nomination and urged for a criminal case to be registered against him.
Sita Soren shared a video of the alleged remarks on social media platform X, calling for an apology from the Congress minister.
This is not the first time Congress leaders have made derogatory statements about women. From Rahul Gandhi to Digvijaya Singh, several Congress leaders have previously issued anti-women remarks.
Recently Shiv Sena UBT leader made derogatory remarks during the Maharashtra Assembly against Shiv Sena’s Mumbadevi candidate Shaina N C calling her imported maal.