1. How to be An Indian Woman in Politics Ft. Azam Khan
SP leader Azam Khan is in the middle of a political storm for his sexist comments, allegedly against BJP leader Jaya Prada. But he is not alone. Why are Indian politicians so sexist? Let’s look at what happens when you are an Indian woman in politics.
Step 1: Koi male politician aapko insult karein. Whether by talking about the colour of your underwear like SP leader Azam Khan did today, allegedly about BJP leader Jaya Prada, or by talking about you wearing jeans and sarees, like Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has had to face. BSP chief Mayawati has had a lifetime of sexist comments and even now, if you type Sonia Gandhi on Twitter, you'll first find insults about her place of birth, her food taste, etc before you find any solid criticism of her politics.
Step 2: There’s a lot of criticism about the comments. Azam Khan's comment has been criticised by journalists, politicians and anyone who has ever seen the video. Union Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked Mulayam Singh Yadav to intervene as the ‘Bhismapitahmah’ while referring to Prada as ‘Rampur ki Draupadi’. But Mulayam Singh himself is no stranger to sexist comments. Remember during the 16 December 2012 Nirbhaya case, when the whole country was up in arms, he said "ladke, ladke hain. Galti ho jaati hai." Anyway. National Commission of Women has also written to the ECI on Khan's comments.
Step 3: His response, which is usually disappointing. Azam Khan's response is that his jibe was not meant for Jaya Prada, but was for a leader in Delhi.
Step 4: Everyone forgets, until the next sexist comment by a politician comes along. But why are Indian politicians so sexist? Let's ask the newsroom. Read more about the story here.
2. EC Bars CM Yogi From Campaigning for 72 Hrs, Mayawati for 48 Hrs
The Election Commission on Monday, 15 April, “strongly condemned” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati for their communal remarks and barred them from campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, for 72 hours and 48 hours, respectively. The two separate EC orders, effective from 6 am on Tuesday, said that the two have also been “censured” for violating the Model Code of Conduct. Read the full story here.
3. SC Asks Modi Biopic to Be Screened for EC & Seeks Rahul Gandhi’s Reply to Contempt Plea Over ‘Chor’ Remark
The Supreme Court on Monday, directed the screening of biopic of PM Narendra Modi for the Election Commission. The court asked the poll panel to give its view on whether to release the movie or not in a sealed cover by Friday, 19 April. The next hearing on the matter will be on 22 April. Read the full story here.
In another decision, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to Congress President Rahul Gandhi in connection with a contempt petition filed against him. The court has sought an explanation from him to be provided on or before Monday, 22 April. The next hearing will be on 23 April. Read the full story here.
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