Irfan Ansari’s remarks on Sita Soren spark controversy ahead of Jharkhand polls

Irfan Ansari’s controversial remarks against Sita Soren: Ahead of the Jharkhand assembly elections, a heated controversy has emerged following alleged derogatory comments by Congress leader Irfan Ansari about BJP candidate Sita Soren. The remarks, made reportedly after Ansari filed his nomination for the Jamtara constituency, have ignited widespread outrage, especially within the tribal community. Soren, who is running against Ansari, became emotional as she spoke about the incident.

"Mr. Ansari has targeted me ever since I announced my candidacy for this seat. His recent derogatory remarks are an insult to all women of the tribal community, and we will not forgive him," she stated, visibly upset.

Sita Soren, wife of Durga Soren, the late son of JMM leader Shibu Soren, joined the BJP this year following differences with her family over the chief ministerial position. This fallout occurred after Hemant Soren, her brother-in-law and Jharkhand’s chief minister, resigned following his involvement in a money laundering case.

During the emotional moment, BJP MP Vivek Thakur, who accompanied her, offered his support. Thakur strongly condemned Ansari’s comments, announcing that the BJP would stage protests across Jharkhand in response.

On October 26, 2024, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) acknowledged the remarks and demanded a report from the Jharkhand government within three days.

Condemnation from the Congress and call for action

Alka Lamba, Mahila Congress chief, also criticized Ansari's statements, asserting that such comments have no place in politics. She stressed the need for legal action, pointing out that Congress has passed laws to combat violence and discrimination against women. Lamba emphasized, “Whether inside or outside the party, crime is crime. Whether verbal or physical, there are laws in place following the Nirbhaya case."

"We condemn this, whether from Irfan Ansari or anyone else. We demand legal action," Lamba added, assuring that the Congress will ensure justice if it wins the upcoming election.

Following the uproar, the Jharkhand BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission, calling for Ansari’s disqualification from the race and urging a criminal case against him.

BJP leaders demand apology, criticize Hemant Soren

Sita Soren shared a video of the alleged remarks on social media, demanding an apology from Ansari. The Jharkhand BJP expressed disappointment with Hemant Soren’s silence on the issue. “Hemant Soren, it is disgraceful that you support those who use such language against an Adivasi woman—your sister-in-law and widow of your elder brother. How can you protect Jharkhand’s women if you cannot protect your family?” the BJP declared.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP election in-charge for Jharkhand, stated, "Those preaching love are merchants of hatred, insulting mothers, sisters, and daughters daily." Himanta Biswa Sarma, election co-in-charge, echoed this sentiment, accusing Hemant Soren of prioritizing vote banks over respect for an Adivasi woman.

Congress' history of controversial remarks on women

This controversy adds to a pattern of controversial statements by Congress leaders on women. From Rahul Gandhi to Digvijaya Singh, several Congress figures have made remarks that sparked public backlash. During the 2024 Haryana assembly elections, Congress leaders faced criticism over remarks made by Congress MP Jay Prakash and other party members, leading to clarifications from opposition leader Bhupender Singh Hooda.

Rahul Gandhi himself has been criticized for making controversial comments, including a remark about actress Aishwarya Rai in Lok Sabha, where he alleged media focused more on her dance than on farmers’ issues. Other notable instances include Digvijaya Singh’s reference to Congress MP Meenakshi Natarajan as “100% genuine,” which he later explained as a compliment. Sheila Dikshit, former Delhi chief minister, once remarked that women “should not be too adventurous,” while Abhijit Mukherjee referred to women protesting against the 2012 Delhi gang rape as “well-groomed women who know nothing about reality.” Sanjay Nirupam and Kiran Chaudhary also made comments criticized as offensive to women’s rights.

Despite Congress's frequent endorsements of women’s empowerment, observers argue that the party has failed to embody this in practice. Some have noted that these incidents reflect a mindset treating women as mere vote banks without genuine regard for their dignity or safety.

Irfan Ansari’s apology and Congress’s response

While initially making derogatory remarks, Ansari later apologized as the controversy escalated. Alka Lamba reiterated that the Mahila Congress does not condone such remarks and called for accountability. With the model code of conduct in place for the Jharkhand elections, Congress has pledged to review possible actions in the matter.