Modi's 'Ramayana' jibe triggers 'Maharabharat' between BJP-Congress
PM Narendra Modi's 'Ramayana' jibe at Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has triggered a 'Mahabharat' between the BJP and Congress. The Congress is up in arms against the PM for his "utterly sexist" and "downright distasteful" comments on Chowdhury. Women MPs of the party are demanding an apology from Modi "for speaking in a manner that encourages disrespectful behavior towards women." Here's what happened.
What was the comment about?
Two days ago, Chowdhury burst into laughter when Modi claimed in the RS that the concept of Aadhaar was mooted in 1998 by LK Advani when he was home minister. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu chided her, saying, "If you have some problem, go to the doctor." But Modi stopped him: "This is the first time we are hearing such laughter after the 'Ramayana' serial."
A clip of the Chowdhury's laughter and Modi's comments
Rijiju posts clip comparing Chowdhury to Surpanakha
Later, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju posted a video of Modi's comments along with a clip of the demon Surpanakha laughing in 'Ramayana,' but it was soon removed. Calling it "highly objectionable," Chowdhury filed a privilege motion against Rijiju. "PM has denigrated the status of women. I am a mother of two daughters," she said. But BJP insists it was Chowdhury who insulted the PM.
BJP hits back, says Chowdhury disrespected parliamentary traditions
Union Minister Smriti Irani said: "I heard the kind of indecent remarks (Chowdhury) was making on PM Modi." BJP leader Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said it was "indecent behavior" that hit the dignity of Parliament. Her laughter "disrespected" parliamentary traditions, said party general secretary Bhupender Yadav. In his defense, Rijiju said, "I (was) only referring to how the PM didn't get annoyed..despite such vexatious laugh."
