Rajasthan minister's comment about Indian women sparks controversy

Jaipur: Govind Ram Meghwal, a minister for Rajasthan, sparked a debate on Saturday by stating it is unfortunate that Indian women still pray for their husbands' long lives on Karwa Chauth and see the moon through a sieve while those in industrialised nations live in the age of science.

The BJP harshly criticised his comment and demanded an apology from him as well as a response from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot regarding his colleague.

"Women in China and the US are living in the world of science, but it is unfortunate that even today, women here on Karwa Chauth see through a sieve, and talk about the long life of their husbands.

But a husband never sees a sieve for the long life of his wife," the minister for disaster management and relief said at the closing ceremony of 'Digifest' here, PTI reported.

"People are pushing (others) into superstition, they are making others fight in the name of religion and caste," he added.

Gehlot was also present at the venue.

Slamming the minister, BJP state spokesperson and MLA Ramlal Sharma said he should be aware that astronaut Kalpana Chawla had been to space and many Indian women were serving as pilots.

"He has insulted crores of women of the country. He should apologise and withdraw the statement. The chief minister should take action against him," Sharma said.

The BJP leader said Indian women are known for following traditions and they know to strike a balance between their personal life and profession.

However, Meghwal later told reporters that he was only promoting scientific temper and education.

"I am not against Karwa Chauth. Whoever wants to follow it may do so. I was talking about the importance of scientific temperament," he said.