The political war in Assam is heating up the atmospherics. The clash between Congress and BJP workers in Dispur has taken politics to a new low. The row between political workers started after a former Assam Congress Minister, Nilamoni Sen Deka’s disparaging comments against Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani. Deka allegedly stated that many refer to Smriti Irani as the second wife of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Deka who is the former state Agriculture minister, reportedly made the remarks at a public meeting in Nalbari. Needless to say such remarks also reveal the misogynistic nature of the person making the comments. It also shows that instead of focusing on issues a desperate Congress party is now taking pot shots at individual BJP ministers. The Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has only made things worse. Following the clashes between Congress and BJP workers Gogoi has joined the slanging match and said that BJP wants to win Assam by goondagiri. This is as good as endorsing Nilamoni Sen Deka’s statements. Instead of reprimanding his colleague for making slanderous comments against a lady minister of the country, Gogoi has only fuelled more passions.
Indian society is deeply patriarchal and gender insensitive comments from ignorant patriarchs and leaders of khap panchayats are not uncommon. But when they come from those who claim to be leaders and public representatives of a modern democracy then society must take note and ensure that they are not repeated. The silence of the Assam Women’s Commission on this issue is curious. Is this because those who lead the Commission are handpicked Congress camp followers? And what about other women’s organizations? On this issue it is important for women across the political divide and from all sections of society to close ranks and not allow partisan politics to divide them. It is not about Smriti Irani. It is about the dignity and prestige of every woman. No man can sully the reputation of any woman by linking her name to that of another man on the basis of gossip and hearsay. This is unacceptable. Politics in Assam has touched its nadir. But we expect to see more dirty linen being washed in full public view as election fever grips the state. But is this what politics is about? What happens to the real issues?