Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress, is presently in Uttar Pradesh for the “Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra.” His yatra aims to impress voters ahead of the general elections. Despite his impassioned outbursts, he has recently sparked controversy with his remarks. They have been caught on camera and are currently making the rounds on social media.
In one of the videos, Rahul Gandhi made remarks about the President, backward classes, and Dalits not being present at the Ram Temple dedication event. He called it an insult to these groups in society. The Congressman also came under fire for threatening a journalist, and saying that the “future of Uttar Pradesh is dancing drunk.”
ADVERTISEMENT
However, the statement that attracted the most ire was his derogatory statement about actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
What Rahul Gandhi had said about Aishwarya Rai
It all happened when Rahul Gandhi recently voiced harsh criticism of the disadvantaged communities’ absence from the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya during his address on the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra’. Gandhi called attention to the fact that Dalits, members of the lower castes, and even the President were not invited, seeing this as an insult to these groups in society. At the event at Lalganj Indira Chowk, Rampur Khas Assembly constituency, Rahul Gandhi said,
“By inviting industrialists and Amitabh Bachchan to the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, Modi gave the message that the country’s 73 percentage of people has no importance.”
On another occasion, he added,
“Aishwarya will be seen dancing and Bachchan saab will do a Balle Balle!”
Needless to say, his comments didn’t go well with anyone. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla responded to Gandhi’s remarks, attributing them to political frustration. Poonawalla highlighted Gandhi’s electoral setbacks, dwindling support for the ‘Nyay Yatra,’ and the departure of allies. He called Gandhi’s remarks regarding Aishwarya Rai and his inclusion of Amitabh Bachchan in his remarks sexist and patriarchal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Not only political leaders but also several people from the entertainment industry also criticized Rahul’s statement. Singer Sona Mohapatra also weighed in on the controversy, expressing her reaction to Rahul Gandhi’s comments.
Sona Mohapatra reacted to Rahul Gandhi’s derogatory remarks on Aishwarya Rai
Political leaders and public personalities seem to believe that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks made during his current yatra in Uttar Pradesh are inappropriate and should be criticized. Adding to her reaction, Bollywood singer Sona Mohapatra also reacted to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks.
Mohapatra, who frequently expresses her candid views on sexism, women, politics, society, and the entertainment business, tweeted,
What’s with politicians demeaning women in their speeches to get some brownie points in a sexist landscape?Dear #RahulGandhi ,sure someone has demeaned your own mother, sister similarly in the past & irrespective you ought to know better? Also, #AishwaryaRai dances beautifully.
What’s with politicians demeaning women in their speeches to get some brownie points in a sexist landscape?Dear #RahulGandhi ,sure someone has demeaned your own mother, sister similarly in the past & irrespective you ought to know better? Also, #AishwaryaRai dances beautifully.🙏🏾
— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) February 21, 2024
However, it goes beyond simple celebrity advocacy when Mohapatra defends Aishwarya Rai’s dancing performance at the occasion. Additionally, she replied to a fan who questioned Aishwarya Rai’s dance technique’s appeal. Mohapatra brought attention to the often-overlooked artistic and historical relevance of courtesan dance by educating him on the cultural importance of courtesans in Indian history.
“Dancing like a courtesan” is indeed a compliment you Foolish illiterate Putra. From Amrapali, Barani, Purasati to even Umrao Jaan, the courtesans of Indian history were treasure troves & revered for their art, artistry & command over languages & poetry, performing arts. 🧚🏿♀️🔴 https://t.co/eU88SZ1tLs
— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) February 21, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Although Mohapatra’s primary concern was Gandhi’s word choice, her criticism sparked a larger discussion about how women are treated in public discourse and society. In addition to standing up for Rai, Mohapatra’s criticism of Gandhi’s statements urged a more considerate and nuanced discussion of women’s responsibilities in politics and other domains.
ADVERTISEMENT
