Congress's 'gungi gudiya' jibe at Sunetra Pawar triggers political storm in Maharashtra

A social media post by the Congress in Maharashtra targeting Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar sparked a political row on Tuesday (August 4), with the ruling Mahayuti accusing the Opposition of resorting to sexist language by calling her a "gungi gudiya" (mute doll).

The controversy erupted after the Congress shared a video on social media in which NCP leader Dhananjay Munde appeared to shield Sunetra Pawar from a journalist's question on the law and order situation in Beed district.

‘Gungi gudiya’ row

The NCP questioned whether the Congress now endorsed the infamous phrase once used against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the remark was an insult to Maharashtra's first woman deputy chief minister and to women across the state.

Also read: NCP leader challenges Sunetra Pawar's election as party chief, seeks fresh polls

In the recent video, Munde is seen interrupting a journalist's question. Pawar did not respond to the question but left the venue once Munde announced that the interaction was over. The Congress posted the video on its social media handle and stated, "Sunetra Pawar, how many more days will she remain a 'gungi gudiya'?"

Indira Gandhi remark recalled

Hitting back, NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil asked if the Opposition party was indirectly admitting that criticism of late Indira Gandhi was justified.

"While democracy allows differences of opinion and even sharp criticism of policies, language that demeans women does not befit any political party," Patil said.

Also Read: Sunetra set for easy Baramati win as NCP navigates post-Ajit Pawar transition

He questioned if the Congress, by using the term 'gungi gudiya' against Sunetra Pawar, was indirectly endorsing the criticism once directed at former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

"Does this mean the Congress is now indirectly admitting that the criticism levelled against the late Indira Gandhi at the time was justified?" he asked.

Patil urged the Congress to withdraw the expression and uphold the tradition of maintaining dignity and respect in public political discourse.

Shinde slams Congress

Deputy CM Shinde said the Congress should feel ashamed of the remarks it made against the state's first woman deputy CM.

"This is an insult to all 'ladki bahins' (sisters) in the state. In the 2024 assembly polls, 'ladki bahins' have shown what they can do," he told reporters.

NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde claimed the Congress feared Sunetra Pawar's growing political stature.

"How much the Congress party hates the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is evident from its social media post against her. The Congress should introspect before making such comments," Munde told reporters at Mantralaya.