New Delhi: A comment made by senior Congress leader C Motamma at a public event in Karnataka has sparked a political row. Her statement has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Motamma’s remarks of advising women to be assertive in politics instead of simply following the order of the leaders to become visible have been widely described as inappropriate and disrespectful.
While speaking at Mahila Vaibhava, an event held in Mangaluru to honour women achievers she urged women to adopt a more assertive approach in politics. She said in her view many women’s focus on pleasing leaders rather than standing up for themselves limits their role in decision-making.
During her address, Motamma suggested that some women in politics try to draw attention by presenting themselves as glamorous and compliant. She argued that this behaviour weakens their position and prevents them from being taken seriously by those in power. She added that unless this mindset changes, women would continue to be sidelined in political processes.
Motamma further stated that women who restrict themselves to smiling and pleasing others remain insignificant in politics. Her comments quickly spread on social media, triggering criticism from across the political spectrum.
BJP hits out, calls remarks sexist
The BJP strongly condemned Motamma’s statements accusing the Congress of having a long history of making insensitive remarks about women. BJP national spokesperson Pratyush Kanth said the comments reflected a deeper problem within the party, rather than being an isolated incident.
In a post on X, Kanth claimed that Congress leaders repeatedly show a lack of respect towards women and even pointed to her earlier controversies involving party leaders. He contrasted Motamma’s remarks with the Centre’s push for 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures, accusing the Congress of remaining stuck in what he described as a feudal mindset.
Past controversies resurface
The BJP also linked the latest row to an earlier controversy involving Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya, who had faced backlash in January for remarks on sexual violence that drew caste and religious references. According to the BJP such statements highlight a pattern of troubling comments from Congress leaders.
As the debate continues, Motamma’s remarks have added fresh fuel to the political sparring between the two parties, once again placing the spotlight on how women’s roles in politics are discussed and perceived.