Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party after an alleged derogatory remark by Gujarat BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma against Congress MP Geniben Thakor triggered a political storm.
Rahul Gandhi said the controversy had exposed what he described as the BJP’s “anti-women ideology” and claimed the party’s “Nari Vandana” slogan now stood discredited. In a social media post, he said women who challenge power are not tolerated by the ruling party.
What Sparked the Row?
The controversy stems from remarks made by Vishwakarma during a gathering in Banaskantha after local body poll results. According to multiple reports, he said the BJP had taken control of the district panchayat after 30 years from the “pallu” of Geniben Thakor’s sari — a statement the Congress has termed insulting and sexist.
Vishwakarma later denied making any personal attack and said his words were taken out of context and were political in nature.
Why Geniben Thakor Matters
Geniben Thakor is the only elected Loksabha MP of the Congress from Gujarat. She is the party’s most recognisable faces in north Gujarat and emerged a giant-killer figure after defeating BJP heavyweight candidates in the region in 2024. Her rise gave the Congress a rare foothold in a state dominated by the BJP for nearly three decades.
Congress Escalates Attack
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the remark, calling it shameful and accusing the BJP of repeatedly disrespecting women in public life.
Political Significance
The row comes at a sensitive time for Gujarat politics, where Congress is trying to rebuild relevance while the BJP seeks to retain total dominance. By centering the issue on women’s dignity and political respect, the Congress appears intent on turning the controversy into a wider campaign issue ahead of future state contests.
Also Read: Congress breaks its jinx as Geniben Thakor wins Banaskantha https://www.vibesofindia.com/congress-breaks-its-jinx-as-geniben-thakor-wins-banaskantha/
