NEW DELHI: The recent sexist statements made by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the Vidhan Sabha have stirred a nationwide controversy and drawn sharp criticism from the National Commission for Women (NCW). Nitish Kumarโs comments, where he linked womenโs education and fertility to the countryโs population, have been described as regressive and insensitive to womenโs rights and choices because of his choice of words.
NCW released a strong statement vehemently condemning Nitish Kumarโs remarks. The Commission emphasized that such comments not only perpetuate outdated stereotypes but also undermine the hard-fought progress made in empowering women and granting them control over their reproductive choices.
NCW posted a tweet on X which read, โNational Commission for Women, vehemently condemns the recent statements made by Nitish Kumar in the Vidhan Sabha concerning womenโs fertility and education and linking it to the population of the country.Such remarks are not only regressive but also egregiously insensitive to womenโs rights and choices. Biharโs Chief Minister should issue an apology to women across the country for these deeply offensive remarksโ
National Commission for Women, vehemently condemns
the recent statements made by Nitish Kumar in the Vidhan Sabha concerning womenโs fertility and education and linking it to the population of the country.Such remarks are not only regressive but also egregiously insensitive toโฆโ NCW (@NCWIndia) November 7, 2023
Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, said, โOn behalf of every woman in this country, as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, I demand an immediate and unequivocal apology from the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar. His crass remarks in the Vidhan Sabha are an affront to the dignity and respect that every woman deserves.โ
Sharma further added, โSuch derogatory and cheap language used during his speech is a dark stain on our society. If a leader can make such comments so openly in a democracy, one can only imagine the horror the state must be enduring under his leadership. We stand firm against such behavior and call for accountability.โ
On behalf of every woman in this country, as the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, I demand an immediate and unequivocal apology from the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar. His crass remarks in the Vidhan Sabha are an affront to the dignity and respect thatโฆ https://t.co/xNom7jqnzq
โ Rekha Sharma (@sharmarekha) November 7, 2023
The NCWโs condemnation of Nitish Kumarโs comments has ignited a broader conversation about the responsibility of public figures and leaders to promote gender equality and womenโs rights. The Commission is now urging political leaders to be more cautious in their public statements and consider the broader implications of their words on societal attitudes and the well-being of women.
As the controversy surrounding Nitish Kumarโs remarks continues to escalate, many are looking to see how the Chief Minister and other political leaders respond to the growing calls for a resignation and apology.
