A sharp political confrontation has erupted in Maharashtra after a controversial comment directed at Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Maharashtra state president Sunil Tatkare launched a scathing attack on the Congress party on Wednesday, asserting that calling Sunetra Pawar a 'mute doll' reflects the opposition's ideological bankruptcy. Tatkare emphasized that leaders must exercise strict restraint when making public statements, adding that merely expressing regret after making derogatory remarks is not enough.
Controversy Ignites Over Viral Video from Beed Visit
The political storm was triggered during Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar's official visit to Beed district, where she serves as the guardian minister. During an interaction with media personnel, journalists questioned her regarding the law and order situation in the district. However, before Sunetra Pawar could respond to the reporters, former minister Dhananjay Munde, who was seated next to her, stepped in and stopped her from answering the queries.
Video footage capturing the entire sequence of events quickly surfaced on social media platforms. Subsequently, Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal shared the viral clip on his social media account, using the phrase 'mute doll' for Sunetra Pawar and questioning why the district's guardian minister failed to address the press on crucial security issues.
Mahayuti Counterattack and Congress Leader's Clarification
Following the remarks, leaders from the ruling Mahayuti coalition alongside the NCP lashed out at the Congress, accusing the party of demonstrating an anti-woman mindset. As political pressure mounted, Harshvardhan Sapkal issued a clarification regarding his comments. He argued that the term 'mute doll' had historically been used in the context of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and claimed that his intention was never to disrespect any woman or cause offense.
Sunil Tatkare Rebukes Opposition's Remarks
Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Lok Sabha member Sunil Tatkare dismissed the defense put forward by Congress. He stated that resorting to such language exposed the moral and political decline of the opposition party. Tatkare remarked that simply offering an apology after making disrespectful statements does not resolve the issue, stressing that political figures must realize what is appropriate to speak in public discourse.
NCP Chief Calls for Responsibility from Party Colleagues
In addition to criticizing the Congress, Sunil Tatkare also addressed the conduct of his NCP colleague Dhananjay Munde. The NCP state chief observed that a press conference is intended for the primary dignitary, and only the main speaker should handle questions from journalists. He indicated that while colleagues may sit alongside the lead figure, taking over the press briefing from the side is not proper protocol.
Tatkare mentioned that he would look into the specific context and reasons behind Dhananjay Munde's intervention during the Beed interaction. Nonetheless, he asserted that such interruptions should be avoided and expressed confidence that NCP leaders will act with greater maturity and responsibility during future press briefings.
