In the realm of politics, the use of demeaning language towards women seems to have become a strategy to gain advantage, as observed by singer Sona Mohapatra and others. Recently, Congress’s Rahul Gandhi faced criticism for his remarks about actor Aishwarya Rai during a discussion about the Ram Temple ‘Pran Pratishtha‘ event. Now, similarly, actor Kangana Ranaut was subjected to sexist attacks after being fielded by the BJP from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi.
As the election season unfolds, incidents like these underscore the persistent presence of sexism in politics, debunking any notion of its eradication. Despite political parties recognizing the influence of “women’s power” in elections, sexism and gender-based stereotypes continue to thrive in the political arena.
A recent example is Congress’s Supriya Shrinate allegedly targeting Kangana Ranaut with derogatory remarks on social media. The post, insinuating implications about Ranaut’s character, was swiftly deleted following backlash from the BJP, which demanded Shrinate’s dismissal.
Shrinate, facing pressure ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, attributed the post to someone with access to her social media accounts. Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspokenness, defended herself, asserting every woman’s right to dignity in the face of such attacks. “If a young man gets ticket, his ideology is attacked, if a young woman gets ticket, her sexuality is attacked… every woman deserves her dignity,” she said.
Similarly, Rahul Gandhi faced backlash a few days back for allegedly making derogatory comments about Aishwarya Rai, insinuating her participation in a religious event. He called her ‘Naachne Wali’ and allegedly criticized Aishwarya Rai for participating in a dance performance at the event. With this, many are commenting that now Congress leaders are following their leader Rahul Gandhi and are making such cheap comments on actresses.
Such remarks not only attract criticism from political opponents but also provide fodder for accusations of disrespect towards women, especially in a crucial election where women voters wield significant influence.
In the past, political attacks primarily focused on ideology, policies, or alleged corruption. However, in the contemporary political landscape, sexist rhetoric appears to have become commonplace, reflecting a concerning trend of misogyny and disrespect towards women.
As political parties vie for power, it is imperative to recognize and condemn such sexist behavior, ensuring that women are treated with dignity and respect in the political discourse. Only by fostering an environment of inclusivity and equality can politics truly serve the interests of all citizens, regardless of gender.
