As Jharkhand gears up for the upcoming assembly elections, a controversy involving Congress minister Irfan Ansari has created a storm. Irfan Ansari allegedly made derogatory remarks about BJP leader Sita Soren, sparking outrage and political tension across the state. The remarks were reportedly made shortly after Irfan Ansari filed his nomination papers for the Jamtara constituency, where he faces Sita Soren as his main opponent.
Sita Soren, a prominent tribal leader and widow of Shibu Soren’s eldest son, Durga Soren, broke down while recounting the incident. She expressed her anger and sorrow over Irfan Ansari’s alleged statements, asserting, “Mr. Ansari has been targeting me ever since my candidacy was announced. However, the derogatory remarks he made after filing his nomination are unacceptable and an affront to the women of the tribal community. The tribal community will not forgive him for this.” Her emotional response was met with support from BJP’s Nawada MP Vivek Thakur, who comforted her during her public statement.
The controversy has led to demands for action, with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) acknowledging the incident. On October 26, 2024, the commission issued a notice to the Jharkhand government, seeking a report on the matter within three days. Responding to the incident, BJP leaders across the state have called for protests, with Vivek Thakur confirming that demonstrations will be organized statewide. Additionally, the BJP has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, urging that Irfan Ansari be prevented from filing his nomination and demanding a criminal case be registered against him for allegedly disrespecting the tribal community and widows.
Sita Soren took to social media platform X, where she shared a video of the alleged comments and called for an apology from Irfan Ansari. Alka Lamba, head of the Mahila Congress, condemned the minister’s remarks, stating that the Congress party does not condone such behavior. “Whether it is Irfan Ansari or anyone else, if a woman belongs to any party, we condemn this comment and oppose it,” she asserted. Alka Lamba underscored that Congress would support legal action and highlighted the party’s efforts in implementing strict laws to protect women, referencing changes made after the 2012 Nirbhaya incident.
Alka Lamba further emphasized that the Congress government, if elected, would ensure fair action and punishment. However, the incident has put a spotlight on Congress’s stance on women’s empowerment, as some observers question the party’s commitment. Critics argue that despite slogans like “I am a girl, I can fight,” Congress leaders have often failed to protect women’s dignity in practice.
Jharkhand BJP leaders have seized upon the incident to criticize Hemant Soren, the current Chief Minister and brother-in-law to Sita Soren. “Hemant Soren, it is disgraceful that you silently support those who use such indecent language against an Adivasi woman who is your sister-in-law,” the party said in a statement. BJP’s Shivraj Singh Chouhan, overseeing the party’s campaign in Jharkhand, remarked, “Those who run a shop of love are merchants of hatred. They insult mothers, sisters, and daughters daily.” Himanta Biswa Sarma, co-in-charge of the campaign, added, “Hemant Soren has lost his voice regarding the insult to his sister-in-law because the respect for an Adivasi woman is not a priority for him; the vote bank is.”
Irfan Ansari’s remarks have touched a nerve, bringing to light past controversies surrounding Congress leaders and women’s issues. From Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on media coverage of actress Aishwarya Rai to Digvijaya Singh’s infamous “100% genuine” comment regarding Meenakshi Natarajan, Congress leaders have a history of controversial statements toward women. During the Haryana Assembly elections in 2024, the party faced backlash over similar comments by Congress MP Jay Prakash, which opposition leader Bhupender Singh Hooda had to clarify. In 2012, Delhi’s former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit remarked that girls “should not be too adventurous,” and former Congress leader Abhijit Mukherjee was criticized for describing women protesting the 2012 Delhi gang rape as “well-groomed women who know nothing about reality.” That same year, Congress’s Sanjay Nirupam insulted BJP leader Smriti Irani on television, stating, “Yesterday you were dancing for money, and today you are teaching politics.”
These incidents have led to accusations of disrespect toward women within Congress ranks. Some Congress women leaders, including Radhika Khera, resigned, citing a lack of respect for women within the party. Critics claim that these statements expose a larger issue of Congress’s inconsistency in addressing women’s empowerment and dignity. Political analysts warn that, unless the party revises its approach, such controversies could further tarnish its image.
Amid mounting pressure, Ansari reportedly sought forgiveness, and Lamba reassured that the Congress party does not support such statements. With the model code of conduct now in place for the Jharkhand elections, Congress leaders are considering further actions regarding Ansari. Observers note that the incident, as well as Congress’s response, could have significant implications for the party’s reputation in the lead-up to the Jharkhand polls.
