On Sabrimala-row, Smriti Irani makes a reference to blood-soaked pads
What's the story
Wading into the ongoing row pertaining to women's entry in Sabarimala, Union Minister Smriti Irani asked if anyone would take blood-soaked pads to their friend's house.
Speaking at Young Thinkers' Conference organized by the British Deputy High Commission and the Observer Research Foundation in Mumbai, Irani said while everyone has the right to pray, they don't have right to desecrate.
Here's more.
What she said
Would you take blood-soaked sanitary napkins to friend's place: Irani
Citing its plain common sense, Irani said one would not take blood-soaked pads to a friend's place.
"Do you think it's respectful to do the same thing when you walk into the house of God? So that is the difference," she added.
She said it was her opinion and added as a minister it is best if she didn't speak on Supreme Court's verdict.
Multi-faith reference
Irani gave example of her life, marriage and kids' upbringing
When Irani was asked about the protests at the base camps, she gave examples of her life.
She said being a Hindu, she married a Parsi but ensured her sons practise Zoroastrianism, and revealed both of them have done their Navjote.
Irani added when she took her son to Fire Temple in Andheri, she wasn't allowed inside but her husband was. So while they prayed, she waited outside.
Complete story
Notably, woman accused of carrying pads has denied claims
Rehana Fathima, one of the many women, who started on the unsuccessful trek to Lord Ayyappa's shrine, has refuted rumors that she took a sanitary pad along.
"When this allegation surfaced, the police checked my 'irumudikettu' and my partner's and even took photos of it," she said.
Speaking to Quint, Fathima said, her Muslim identity was questioned and rumors were spread to misguide people.
Reactions
Irani's statement gets mixed reactions from netizens
Netizens gave sharp reactions to Irani's comments.
Slamming her, @MickieMerchant tweeted: Much ado about nothing and something God-given. Smriti Irani being a speaker at the Young Thinker's Conference while airing regressive opinions is the important issue here.
Defending her, @iPurohitHarshal tweeted: Putting pad where it belongs has no issue but if some1 keeps pad in hands wanting to enter temple is disrespect of Dharma.
Twitter Post
Irani is batting for patriarchs, tweets another
A theist would say "God has no problem ,as god has made human this way."
— Mukesh (@Mukesde7) October 23, 2018
Reactionaries wanted to keep women as second class citizen in the name of tradition.
Being a woman and being a feminist is totally different thing.Irani is batting for patriarchs.