By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Bhopal, on Monday staged a protest against what it described as repeated derogatory, indecent and condemnable remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders against women. Led by NSUI State General Secretary Syed Altamas, activists burnt an effigy symbolising the “anti-women mindset” of the BJP.
NSUI Bhopal district president Akshay Tomar alleged that frequent disparaging comments by BJP leaders clearly reflected a long-standing patriarchal and anti-women outlook within the party. He cited recent controversies, including objectionable remarks by BJP minister Vijay Shah regarding women officers in the Indian Army and beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna scheme, statements by minister Kailash Vijayvargiya linking women’s clothing to character, and highly offensive comments attributed to BJP MLA Pramod Kumar. The conduct of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at a public function was also criticised.
Addressing the gathering, Syed Altamas said such language and behaviour amounted to a direct attack on women’s dignity, constitutional rights and social respect. He alleged that the absence of strict action against those responsible exposed political patronage.
District vice-presidents Amit Hatiya and Lucky Choubey stated that the remarks insulted half the country’s population and warned of intensified protests if accountability was not ensured.
NSUI demanded immediate action against the leaders concerned, a public apology from the BJP, and a more sensitive approach towards women’s safety and dignity. Hundreds of NSUI workers participated in the demonstration.
