This week has been a huge disappointment, to say the least, with two leaders from India’s two biggest political parties publicly demeaning women. First Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde, followed closely by former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah – the ‘wokeness’ in political parties hit new lows.
On 28 January, Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde and Karnataka state Congress President Dinesh Gundurao engaged in a Twitter spat over Hegde’s comment “the hand which touches a Hindu woman disappear.” In response to a perfectly civil question by Rao, Hegde replied with a distasteful tweet about Rao “running behind a Muslim lady.”
Rao’s wife tweeted a response condemning his misogynistic behaviour.
A day later, on 29 January, former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah lost his temper and scolded a local woman during a public event in Mysuru. A video showed him snatching the microphone from her, and in the process, her dupatta came off.
Siddaramaiah tweeted a justification after the incident.
The woman Jamal Ara later said she had no complaints and that Siddaramaiah is her leader.
Both instances, of online and offline abuse were met with strong criticism from the Twitterati. Common consensus was that both parties disrespect women and it is time for them to introspect.
Another said both leaders must be equally condemned for their actions.
Social activist Kavita Krishnan and a few others tweeted that the behaviours of both leaders reflect the mindset of the parties.
The fact that no action was taken against Hegde even after 24 hours also angered the Twitterati, including leaders like Jignesh Mevani.
There were also opinions that leaders like Hegde and Siddaramaiah should not represent any party. Twitter also asked Rahul Gandhi to expel Siddaramaiah.
Political commentator Tehseen Poonawalla tweeted a picture of himself hugging his Hindu wife, daring Hegde to do “what you can.”
He also responded to Siddaramaiah’s behaviour. He said it is unacceptable irrespective of what he was aiming at – the microphone or her dupatta.
A few others echoed his thoughts.
It does seems like both the Congress and BJP need to take a hard look at these tweets and take action to prove they do not tolerate misogyny of any kind, for their own good.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)