Karnataka Congress MLA draws flak for 'fit to cook' remark against BJP candidate

Saying BJP candidate Gayathri Siddeshwara is only "fit to cook", veteran Congress leader Davangere South MLA and educationist Shamanur Shivashankarappa has courted controversy for his sexist remark.

The 92-year-old MLA made further adverse remarks, saying that Gayathri "cannot even speak properly and should understand her constituency first before seeking votes".

Addressing Congress workers recently at Bunts Bhavan, Shivashankarappa said, “She can't even speak properly. She is fit to cook food at home. Let her understand the problems of Davangere before seeking public support in the Lok Sabha polls." "She is asking voters to back the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls so that she can present the lotus to Modi," the elderly politician of the grand old party said.

Anguish over sexist remarks

He added that "sending the lotus to Modi does not develop Davangere" and that development works must happen first.

Gayathri expressed anguish over Shivashankarappa's remark and said it seems that 'Ajja' (elderly person) is not aware that women are making a mark in every sector today. "Shamanur Shivashankarappa has insulted women with his remarks. Are we confined only to the kitchen?" she asked.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given importance to women empowerment. But these people keep insulting women," she remarked.

Shuttler Saina slams

Shivashankarappa's comments drew severe criticism from various quarters.

In a post on social media platform X, former World No1 badminton player Saina Nehwal said, "'Woman should be restricted to the kitchen'- This is what a top Karnataka leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa ji has said. This sexist jibe at @bjp4india candidate from Davanagere Gayathri Siddeshwara ji is least expected from a party that says 'Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon." Saina, who joined the BJP in 2020, sought to know what the Congress party would have preferred her to do when she won international medals for India on the playfield.

"Why say like that when all the girls and women dream of achieving big in any field they like… On one hand we are doing 'Nari Shakti ko Vandan'. The Women’s Reservation Bill has been passed under leadership of our PM Modi sir and on the other hand 'Nari Shakti ka apman' & misogynistic people... Really upsetting," Saina posted.

BJP leader Shaina Chudasama Munot alleged, "Whether it is S Shivashankarappa or Congress, they are all anti-women. Indian women are worthy to be scientist, pilot, etc. However, they are typecasting women." She asked, "(When) Congress runs campaign like 'Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon', why Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Sonia Gandhi are silent now?"