Offensive remarks on women in Raj bypoll campaign condemned

Jaipur: Several senior political figures made offensive remarks against women during their election campaign for byelections scheduled on Nov 13 for seven assembly constituencies. In Jhunjhunu, independent candidate and former minister Rajendra Singh Gudha made controversial assertions about deputy CM Diya Kumari, questioning her leadership credentials for the Rajput community in Jhunjhunu and raising queries over her marriage.

BJP state president Madan Rathore sparked controversy by commenting on Hanuman Beniwal's wife, Kanika Beniwal, the RLP candidate from Khinvsar seat. Independent candidate Naresh Meena, contesting the Deoli-Uniara bypoll, used offensive language regarding a woman officer, asserting himself as the "man" supporting the community. Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal directed personal remarks at Congress ex-MLA Divya Maderna, criticising her family image.

These statements have elicited condemnation from women politicians. Ex-MLA Maderna said, "When you're in public life, you should control your language. Using such language about women reflects insecurity and attempts to hinder their progress. Whether male or female, everyone should use respectful language."

Former state women's commission chairperson Suman Sharma said, "Targeting women as an easy option is wrong. Such language in public damages the person's own image. Politicians should focus on public welfare, not personal attacks."

Rajasthan Women Congress president Rakhi Gautam said, "Using disrespectful words for women is unacceptable. Don't these politicians have mothers, sisters, or wives at home? In a country that worships women as goddesses, using such language is unfortunate."