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The recent controversial comments made by Ramesh Bidhuri, a Member of Parliament, regarding Priyanka Gandhi and Atishi have ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly among women voters in Kalkaji. Bidhuri’s remarks, which included a comparison of Priyanka Gandhi’s cheeks to the smoothness of roads he promised to build, and a derisive comment about Atishi changing her surname, were widely condemned as disrespectful and inappropriate. The incident highlights the persistent issue of sexism in Indian politics and the impact of such rhetoric on the electorate. The article presents a compelling snapshot of diverse reactions from women across various socioeconomic backgrounds, showcasing a spectrum of responses from outrage and disgust to apathy and political disillusionment. This diverse range of opinions underscores the complexity of political engagement among female voters and the nuanced considerations that shape their voting decisions.
Many women interviewed expressed profound disappointment and anger at Bidhuri's comments. Prakriti Anand, a school teacher, stated that this was not the first time Bidhuri had insulted other politicians, but this particular instance targeting Priyanka Gandhi's physical appearance was unacceptable and nonsensical. Her househelp, Radha, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the irony of such remarks in a country where women are traditionally revered. Rashmi Sharma, a resident of Kalkaji, while admitting to a lack of deep political knowledge, clearly articulated her unease with Bidhuri's comments, stating that disrespect towards women would directly impact her voting decisions. Monica Saxena, a beauty parlor owner, criticized Bidhuri's comment about Atishi's surname change as one of the worst insults imaginable, emphasizing the need for politicians to be more mindful of their words.
Atishi herself, in a press conference, broke down while recounting the emotional toll of Bidhuri’s insults. She highlighted her father's life as a teacher and his frail health, portraying Bidhuri's comments as not only aimed at her but also at her elderly and vulnerable father. Bidhuri, in turn, dismissed Atishi's emotional response as 'drama,' further escalating the tension. Other women in Kalkaji also spoke out against Bidhuri’s attacks on Gandhi and the way he dragged a woman’s family into the political fray. Pushpa Kumari, a flower seller, and her daughter Ritu Kumari, a first-time voter, both expressed disapproval of the politician's conduct, emphasizing the need for respectful discourse, even in the heated atmosphere of political campaigns. Ritu specifically mentioned that she prioritized candidates who focused on real issues and respected women.
However, the article also reveals a segment of voters who seem less concerned or affected by Bidhuri’s actions. Rupali Krishna, a homemaker, expressed a degree of cynicism, stating that all politicians, regardless of gender, tend to engage in insults and shaming. This viewpoint points to a widespread disillusionment with the political class, where the misconduct of one politician becomes just another instance in a pattern of unacceptable behavior. Sakshi, a history student, and Pooja, a salon worker, along with their colleagues, admitted to being unaware of Bidhuri's comments, highlighting the information gaps and the challenges in reaching all segments of the population with news of political events. Their lack of awareness underlines the difficulty in holding politicians accountable, especially when a significant portion of the electorate remains uninformed or unengaged.
The incident involving Ramesh Bidhuri serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of sexism in Indian politics and the urgent need for a more respectful and inclusive political discourse. While many women voters expressed their disapproval and the impact of Bidhuri's remarks on their voting intentions, the article also highlights a segment of voters who remain largely apathetic or unengaged with the issue. This duality reflects the complexities within the electorate and the diverse range of factors influencing voting behavior. The responses also reveal a profound disillusionment with the political system itself, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and a shift toward more civil and substantive political engagement. The news report of Bidhuri’s failure to appear before Parliament’s privileges committee further adds to the perception of politicians’ disregard for accountability and established norms of conduct. The case underscores the need for stricter regulations and consequences for offensive behaviour from elected officials and the importance of fostering a political environment where respectful discourse is valued above personal attacks and misogyny.
Source: Kalkaji’s women voters on Bidhuri remarks: ‘Not the first time, what else to expect?’