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Political Misogyny
The Statesman
|January 10, 2025
The prevalence of misogyny in Indian politics reflects a troubling reality that undermines the progress of women in public life.
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Across party lines and ideological divides, sexist rhetoric and objectification of women have been normalized, revealing a patriarchal mind-set deeply ingrained in the political discourse.
Despite India's claims of progress in women's empowerment, the male gaze remains a powerful force, reducing women leaders like Priyanka Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee to mere objects of derision and ridicule. Over the years, sexist remarks targeting women politicians have been made with impunity, eliciting snickers from peers and muted outrage from the public.
From former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav's infamous comment comparing roads to Hema Malini's cheeks to Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Yadav's "parkati auratein" jibe and Delhi BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri's recent slur aimed at Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, these remarks not only demean individuals but also perpetuate the marginalisation of women in politics.
This story is from the January 10, 2025 edition of The Statesman.
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