Is Congress Right to Condemn Maulana Sajid Rashidi's Remarks on Dimple Yadav's Attire?

Mumbai, July 28 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader Hussain Dalwai on Monday criticized the inappropriate comment made by All India Imam Association Chairman Maulana Sajid Rashidi concerning Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav's clothing, labeling it as "entirely misguided" and "disrespectful".

Dalwai emphasized that such remarks only tarnish the reputation of the Muslim community and cast a negative light on those who utter them.

In a conversation with IANS, Hussain Dalwai stated: "Rashidi's statement is completely erroneous. It is absolutely intolerable to express such views. Commenting on women's attire and lifestyle is unacceptable. If we object when someone speaks about Muslim men, like their beard style or headwear, then why is it acceptable to comment on women in such a manner? Who granted them the authority to dictate how others should dress?"

"Furthermore, what compelled him to even scrutinize Dimple Yadav’s back? Whether she chose to cover it or not is irrelevant. This is absurd. There always seems to be something wrong in their perspective. I utterly condemn this. Such derogatory comments about women are entirely unacceptable."

Dalwai called for action against Maulana Rashidi, stating: "Certain Maulanas are persistently tarnishing the image of the Muslim community. While many Maulanas do commendable work, a few are attempting to intertwine religion into all matters. I am a Muslim at home and in the mosque, but outside, I am an Indian citizen just like everyone else. My connection with you should be as fellow humans, not always viewed through a religious lens. These Maulanas are creating divides and inadvertently aiding the RSS in exacerbating communal tensions."

He further questioned the integrity of individuals making such remarks, stating: "Their mindset is toxic, and that is why they speak in this manner. Dimple Yadav’s character is unimpeachable - I hold her in high regard. Making such comments against a woman reveals more about the speaker than the individual targeted. These are the same individuals who pass judgments on women in burqas when they are out in public."

The controversy erupted after Dimple Yadav, the Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri, participated in a meeting at a mosque in Delhi earlier this month alongside her husband, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and other senior party members. During a televised debate, Maulana Rashidi referred to an image from the meeting and commented: "Look at her (Dimple Yadav’s) back. It is exposed," in reference to her saree.

This statement ignited widespread outrage.

Samajwadi Party leader Pravesh Yadav lodged a police complaint in Lucknow, accusing Rashidi of making misogynistic and incendiary remarks.

"This not only undermines the dignity of a woman but also impacts the sentiments of every woman in society," Yadav asserted.

"Such indecent and anti-women statements made from a public platform like a television debate can disturb social harmony."

Following the complaint, police initiated a case against Rashidi under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 79 (outraging the modesty of women), Section 196 (promoting enmity between groups), Section 299 (outraging religious sentiments), and Section 352 (intentional insult aimed at provoking a breach of peace).