Is Misogyny Embedded in the Political Culture of BJP?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a fierce response to derogatory comments from BJP's Shantanu Thakur, the Trinamool Congress labels the party as a hub of misogyny. This incident highlights a deeper issue within India's political landscape regarding the treatment of women leaders. Explore how this controversy reflects broader societal attitudes and the implications for upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Misogyny in Politics: The incident highlights the ongoing misogynistic attitudes in political discourse.
- Response to Criticism: The BJP's defensive reaction underscores the contentious political climate.
- Public Perception: Voter sentiment may be influenced by these controversies leading up to elections.
- Role of Women: Women leaders continue to face significant challenges in the political arena.
Kolkata, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Trinamool Congress has labeled BJP leaders as habitual misogynists, responding to a derogatory remark reportedly made by Shantanu Thakur, a two-time BJP Lok Sabha member and the Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
The Trinamool Congress released a statement on social media and shared a video in which Thakur allegedly stated that the face of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee resembled a “bat-sucked mango” due to the anxiety surrounding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the state.
However, the authenticity of the video is yet to be confirmed by IANS.
“Misogyny isn’t an accident in @BJP4India; it’s their political culture. From the Prime Minister down to his followers, they have institutionalized the degradation of women in public life. Each time they are unable to defeat Smt. @MamataOfficial's courage and clarity, they resort to gutter-level abuse,” the Trinamool Congress statement emphasized.
The ruling party claimed that Thakur’s derogatory remarks about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are reflective of a tradition established by senior BJP leaders, showcasing a male-chauvinistic mindset among saffron leaders.
“This isn’t merely misogyny; it’s moral decay. From @narendramodi's offensive ‘Didi 'O Didi’ catcall to Giriraj Singh's ‘thumka’ remark, as well as Sukanta Majumdar’s 'dhanda' slur and Abhijit Gangopadhyay's inappropriate comments—each of these reveals the BJP’s Nari-Birodhi mindset in its most repulsive form,” the statement articulated.
The Trinamool Congress asserted that Thakur's remarks illustrate how BJP leaders regard a female Chief Minister who commands national respect and reflect the insecurities within the party's leadership.
“Their disdain for strong women is pathological. Unable to politically defeat Mamata Banerjee, they attempt to belittle her personally. However, Bengal is aware, and the populace will express their feelings where it matters most: at the ballot box,” the statement concluded.
In response, state BJP leaders contended that the Trinamool Congress's criticism is unwarranted, citing instances where their leaders, including the Chief Minister, have used derogatory language against both the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, during public events.
Point of View
It is essential to remain impartial while reporting on sensitive issues like misogyny in politics. The ongoing discourse between the Trinamool Congress and BJP showcases the need for a more respectful dialogue in public life, especially towards women leaders who play a pivotal role in our democracy.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against BJP leaders?
The Trinamool Congress has accused BJP leaders of misogyny, citing derogatory remarks made by Union Minister Shantanu Thakur about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
What was the response from BJP leaders?
BJP leaders claimed that the Trinamool Congress's criticism is hypocritical, as their leaders have also used derogatory language in the past.
