Why are Muzaffarpur women criticizing the opposition for attacking PM Modi and his mother?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Women in Muzaffarpur stand united against disrespectful remarks towards PM Modi and his mother.
- Attacks on mothers are seen as attacks on societal values.
- The Jeevika initiatives are pivotal in empowering women and promoting self-reliance.
- PM Modi's emotional response highlights the collective pain felt across households.
- Respect for motherhood remains a core tenet of Indian culture.
Muzaffarpur, Sep 2 (NationPress) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified his criticism of the Congress-RJD alliance in Bihar, he accused members of the Opposition of insulting his mother during a public rally. This sparked outrage among women in Muzaffarpur, who expressed their dissatisfaction and disappointment.
They deemed these comments not only an insult to the Prime Minister but to every mother and sister in India, emphasizing that such personal attacks are profoundly disrespectful.
In conversations with IANS after a video conference with Jeevika Didis under the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited initiative led by PM Modi, several women shared their support for him. They asserted that regardless of political differences, the dignity of a leader's mother should never be compromised in political discussions.
Phool Devi, one of the participants, remarked, “The way Prime Minister Modi conveyed his emotions resonated with me as a mother. Nobody should speak ill of anyone's mother. No matter if it’s the Prime Minister or the President, using abusive language against a mother is intolerable. A mother is indispensable, and her dignity must be upheld.”
Guddi Devi shifted the focus to the empowerment programs, stating that the initiatives launched under the Jeevika scheme have been life-changing.
“Jeevika Didi has greatly assisted me. I have provided loans to numerous women, which significantly contributes to strengthening women's empowerment,” she stated.
Sunita Devi, another participant, shared her sentiments.
“I received Rs 10,000 through the program, and we utilized this to start a small business. However, the way PM Modi and his mother were treated is unacceptable. It is wrong to insult him since he is doing much for our nation. As women, we should honor all mothers,” she mentioned.
Nibha Kumari elaborated on how Jeevika Didis are making a difference.
“Now, Jeevika Didis can secure loans at lower interest rates. Additionally, we benefit from 125 units of free electricity, which significantly impacts our ability to start businesses and achieve self-sufficiency. However, we believe personal attacks should not be part of politics,” she pointed out.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi virtually inaugurated the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited, a crucial advancement for women's empowerment, allowing countless women in Bihar's villages associated with Jeevika groups to access financial aid effortlessly.
During the launch, the Prime Minister noted, “On this auspicious Tuesday, we are initiating a promising venture. Mothers and sisters in Bihar will receive a new facility through the Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh. This will enable them to expand their businesses while utilizing a digital system for mobile transactions, eliminating the need for physical visits. I commend the mothers and sisters of Bihar and appreciate Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the state government for this remarkable initiative.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that “empowered women are essential to a developed India.”
He expressed that his government has consistently worked to alleviate the difficulties women face by ensuring access to essential services such as toilets, housing, clean drinking water, healthcare, rations, and income-generating schemes.
Striking an emotional chord, the Prime Minister recalled Bihar’s tradition of honoring matrushakti (maternal power). “Bihar has always revered mothers. Here, Ganga Maiya, Kosi Maiya, Gandaki Maiya, and Punpun Maiya are worshipped. Janaki ji, Bihar's daughter, is venerated worldwide as Sita Mata. Chhathi Maiya Puja is celebrated as a blessing for all. During Navratri, the nine forms of Maa Durga are honored across the country, and in Bihar, we also celebrate Satbahini Puja—worshipping seven sisters,” PM Modi remarked.
He further noted that this faith shapes Bihar’s identity. Quoting a local saying, he reminded everyone that no one can replace a mother, and the respect for motherhood is fundamental to India's values.
However, the Prime Minister's address took a serious turn when he spoke about the alleged derogatory comments made about his mother during an Opposition rally.
“I never thought such disrespectful remarks would emerge from a platform in Bihar directed at my mother. These remarks were not just aimed at me or my family; they insult every mother, sister, and daughter in our nation. The sorrow I feel resonates with every household in Bihar. This pain is not mine alone; it is a shared wound,” he expressed.
The Prime Minister’s sentiments resonated deeply with the women in Muzaffarpur, who overwhelmingly condemned the incident.
“A mother transcends politics. We may agree or disagree with leaders on policies, but attacking a mother is against our culture and values. We stand in solidarity with PM Modi ji on this,” stated Sunita Devi.
Many of the Jeevika Didis emphasized that this issue surpasses political boundaries.
“We are mothers, sisters, and daughters. A mother’s dignity is everyone’s dignity. When someone speaks ill of the Prime Minister’s mother, it feels as if they have insulted us,” asserted Phool Devi.
Others related the matter to the broader theme of women's empowerment. “Respecting women is crucial for societal progress. If we begin to insult mothers, where is the respect? We should focus on building society, not demeaning women,” Nibha Kumar concluded.