Did ‘sexist’ remarks by Congress leader give Kangana Ranaut perfect launchpad for Mandi Lok Sabha election?
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TNR Desk
The Congress appears to have given the perfect launchpad to Kangana Ranaut to start her campaign for the June 1 Lok Sabha election from her seat Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. The Bollywood actress has been hogging the limelight in mainstream media as well as on social media over the “sexist” comments posted allegedly from an Instagram handle being operated in the name of Congress social media head Supriya Shrinate.
Shrinate had subsequently claimed that the comments were posted from a parody account in her name. In the comment, a bold picture of Kangana was posted with a comment alongside in Hindi mentioning: “Aaj ‘Mandi’ mein kya bhav hai (what’s the rate?).” The comment came a day after Kangana was announced the BJP candidate.
The Himachal Pradesh BJP on Wednesday (March 27, 2024) organised a protest in Mandi against the comments. The protest was led by former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur. A large number of BJP workers and leaders took out a march through the streets of Mandi and the protesters later converged at Seri Manch where the party leaders addressed a gathering.
“We will not tolerate insults directed towards the daughter of Mandi, known as Chhoti Kashi, and the proud daughter of Himachal Pradesh, BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate Kangana Ranaut. The Congress’s indecent remarks towards Kangana Ranaut reflect their values, but this disrespect extends beyond her. It’s an affront to the sacred land of Devbhoomi and the strength of women in this revered region. Every Himachali finds such insults intolerable,” said Jai Ram.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur too protested the comment, alleging that it reflected poorly on Supriya as a woman to insult another woman in such a manner. He asserted that Himachal and Mandi “would respond befittingly”. He criticised the Congress for its silence over the ordeal faced by the women of Sandeshkhali in West Bengal who were allegedly exploited by Trinamool leader.
Kangana herself expressed dismay regarding the comment during a media interaction. “Mandi, also known as Chhoti Kashi, holds significant religious importance as the sacred abode of sages Parashar and Markandeya. The derogatory remarks about Mandi have deeply wounded the sentiments of Mandi residents,” she said.
In Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that Kangana was a daughter of Himachal Pradesh, emphasising her father’s role as a general secretary appointed by Congress in Mandi. He highlighted the Congress as a party that valued and respected women, mentioning numerous schemes introduced by the state government for women’s welfare.
