RJD Leader Faces Backlash for Sexist Remark on Women’s Reservation Bill
Senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui found himself in hot water after making a controversial statement about women who support the women’s reservation bill. Speaking at an event in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur, Siddiqui remarked that women with lipsticks and bob-cut hairstyles would be the ones to come forward in support of the bill.
After facing criticism for his remarks, Siddiqui attempted to clarify his statement by saying that his party has always supported the bill and that he was speaking in “village language” to make his audience understand. However, it is worth noting that the RJD has been a vocal critic of the bill, advocating for a quota within a quota to include OBC women.
The comment was made at an RJD rally with many women villagers in attendance. Siddiqui claimed that he used “typical village language” to express the benefits of the new law to his audience.
The remarks made by Siddiqui were condemned by Union Minister and BJP leader Kaushal Kishore, who called them a reflection of the RJD leader’s “small mentality.” Kishore emphasized that women elected to parliament have a deep understanding of the constitution and laws, and work in the interest of the public. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between men and women in legislative bodies to develop the country.
JMM, a partner of the INDIA bloc, also criticized Siddiqui’s statement. Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji cautioned against making statements that could harm women and expressed support for the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC women in the Women’s Reservation Bill.
RJD’s opposition to a women’s quota bill without an OBC quota is not new. RJD leaders, along with Samajwadi Party MPs and Sharad Yadav, previously attempted to disrupt the passage of the bill by storming the house and attempting to snatch the bill’s copy.
Controversial remarks regarding the bill are not exclusive to Siddiqui. In the past, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s father, late Mulayam Singh Yadav, also made controversial comments suggesting that the reservation would only benefit affluent women.
It is crucial to promote gender equality and ensure meaningful representation for all women, regardless of their background. These kinds of remarks perpetuate harmful stereotypes and hinder progress towards a more inclusive society.