Cong leader summoned by NCW over 'misogynistic' remark against Smriti Irani

Ajay Rai, the leader of the Congress, was summoned by the National Commission for Women on Tuesday for making "misogynistic" and "derogatory" comments about Union minister Smriti Irani.

The head of the Uttar Pradesh Congress said on Monday that Irani only visits her home city of Amethi to do "latkas" and "jhatkas," an unflattering reference to dance steps that drew a stern retort from the BJP.

"The National Commission for Women has come across several media reports on a controversial remark made by Congress leader Ajay Rai against Union Minister Smriti Irani," the NCW said.

"The Commission has taken cognizance of the misogynistic remark made by Mr Rai. The remarks are outrageous and extremely derogatory and the Commission strongly condemns such statements. The Commission has scheduled a hearing in the matter and sent a notice to Mr Rai to appear before it on 28.12.2022 at 12 PM," the NCW said in a statement.

Asked if Gandhi will contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, Rai had told reporters, "It has been the seat of the Gandhi family. Rahul ji has been the Lok Sabha MP from there. So has been Rajiv (Gandhi) ji and Sanjay (Gandhi) ji, and they have served it."

"Most of the factories in Amethi are on the verge of closure. Half of the factories in the Jagdishpur industrial area are lying shut. Smriti Irani only comes, shows 'latka-jhatka', and leaves," Rai, who is a regional chief of the party had said.

Currently, Amethi is represented in Lok Sabha by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Irani.

Responding to the statement, Irani said Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi needed a new scriptwriter.

"You and Mummy ji need to get your misogynistic (misogynist) goons a new speechwriter," the Union Minister for Women and Child Development had said.

With PTI inputs