Former CM also questions Beed law and order, recalls past controversial remarks against women in politics
Mumbai: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has clarified the Congress’ position on the controversy surrounding the party’s social media post describing Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar as “Gungi Gudiya.”
In a detailed statement, Chavan said that derogatory expressions against women should be avoided, even as he defended the context in which the Congress social media team had commented following a press conference in Beed.
According to Chavan, activist Anjali Damania had called him to object to the post, after which he sought details. He said the remark stemmed from an incident in which Sunetra Pawar allegedly concluded a press conference without responding to a journalist’s question on the law-and-order situation in Beed district.
He stressed that while journalists have every right to ask questions and ministers may choose whether or not to respond, the issue of law and order in Beed remains unanswered, and the responsibility for answering those concerns rests with the Chief Minister and the Home Minister.
At the same time, Chavan said women active in politics deserve encouragement and respect, adding that such language should have been avoided.
The former Chief Minister also criticised what he described as the decline in political discourse, recalling earlier controversial remarks made against women in politics and referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s past comments on political opponents, while asserting that the Congress has traditionally upheld a higher standard of political conduct.
Chavan further clarified that he had no role in the Congress social media post and said those protesting against him should first ascertain the facts before making allegations.
Political Significance
Chavan’s statement attempts to strike a balance between condemning language perceived as derogatory towards women and maintaining the Opposition’s criticism of the Maharashtra government’s handling of law and order in Beed.
By simultaneously defending political accountability and calling for civility in public discourse, the former Chief Minister has shifted the debate beyond a social media controversy to broader questions of political responsibility, democratic accountability and standards of public communication.
