Date : 15-04-2024
Following the state commission for women (SCW) issuing a suo moto notice against former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy for his recent remarks on women’s dignity, the Janata Dal (Secular) leader responded, clarifying that his intention was not to insult women but rather to shed light on what he sees as the misguidance of innocent individuals, including women.
During an election campaign event in Turuvekere, Tumakuru district, Kumaraswamy addressed the audience in support of alliance candidate V. Somanna Kumaraswamy. He commented on the government’s introduction of five guarantees during the previous election, suggesting that the women in his village had been led astray.
The SCW deemed Kumaraswamy’s remarks detrimental to women’s dignity and character, announcing the initiation of a suo moto case against him. They stated their intent to issue a notice to Kumaraswamy, inviting him to clarify his statement before the commission.
In response, Kumaraswamy defended himself, asserting that his comments were directed towards the perceived misguidance resulting from guarantee schemes and not meant to demean or insult women. He highlighted his past initiatives as Chief Minister, such as implementing schemes for women’s welfare and providing shelter during difficult times, as evidence of his commitment to women’s issues.
At another campaign event in Madikeri, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar condemned Kumaraswamy’s statement, emphasizing the cultural reverence for women and criticizing the former CM’s remarks as disrespectful to both women and humanity. He questioned the continuation of the alliance with Kumaraswamy, given Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expressed respect for women.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also weighed in, condemning Kumaraswamy’s comment as reflective of his attitude towards women and questioning whether women should tolerate such derogatory remarks from a two-time chief minister.
The JD(S) took to social media to accuse the Congress of distorting Kumaraswamy’s statement, asserting that his criticism was directed towards the Congress’s guarantee schemes, not towards women themselves.
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