Did Congress Legislator's 'Eunuch' Remark Ignite Controversy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Controversial political language can escalate tensions.
- Protests reflect internal party conflicts.
- The need for civility in public discourse is critical.
- Political leaders must be held accountable for their words.
- Public response can shape future political dynamics.
Ashoknagar (Madhya Pradesh), July 8 (NationPress) A political controversy has unfolded in Madhya Pradesh following a contentious statement made by Congress MLA from Gwalior Rural Assembly, Sahab Singh Gurjar, during the party's 'Nyay Satyagraha' protest in Ashoknagar district.
While addressing the crowd, Gurjar remarked, "Jo mard they vo jang me aaye, jo hijre they vo Sangh me gaye" (Those who were men came to the war, those who were eunuchs went to the Sangh), indirectly targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
This comment, which was recorded on video, rapidly gained traction online and elicited strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and civil society across the state.
The protest was organized by the Madhya Pradesh Congress in response to an FIR filed against State party President Jitu Patwari.
Notable Congress figures, including Digvijaya Singh, Umang Singhar, and Patwari, were present at the event.
This controversy stems from an incident involving Ashoknagar resident Gajraj Lodhi, who claimed that a BJP worker assaulted him and forced him to ingest human excreta.
Lodhi brought his allegations to Jitu Patwari during a visit to Orchha on June 25. Subsequently, he alleged that Patwari pressured him into filing a police report.
In response, Mungawali police registered an FIR against Congress leader Jitu Patwari.
During the protest, former Minister Jaivardhan Singh warned that if the FIR was not revoked by July 7, Congress leaders would surrender at the Mungawali police station on June 8.
State Cooperative Minister and BJP leader Vishvas Sarang denounced Gurjar's language as "unconstitutional and disgraceful," asserting that it insulted senior Congress leaders such as Kamal Nath, Arun Yadav, and Ajay Singh, further degrading them by using the term 'Hijra' — a reference to the third gender and women.
"This is not merely a case of factionalism; it reflects the Congress party's escalating internal turmoil and a blatant disregard for constitutional values," Sarang stated.
The BJP has called for a formal apology, while the Congress leadership has yet to provide a public response.
This incident has reignited discussions about the use of offensive language in political discourse and the duty of elected officials to maintain civility in public interactions.
The event saw a significant police presence, with Congress MLAs' convoys being halted and searched as they made their way.
Despite the heightened tensions, the protest concluded with Sub-Divisional Police Officer Vivek Sharma announcing the arrest of all attendees, who were subsequently released.