Hema Malini, the veteran actor and BJP’s candidate for the third time from Mathura, addressed Congress leader Randeep Surjewala’s controversial remarks, stating that Congress tends to target popular figures because targeting the unpopular ones wouldn’t benefit them. As she filed her nomination for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from her constituency, Malini emphasized that the Congress should learn how to respect women from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, Congress has nominated Mukesh Dhangar as its candidate from Mathura.
The political arena heated up after BJP’s IT cell chief, Amit Malviya, shared a purported video where Surjewala was heard making sexist comments about Hema Malini. Malviya condemned the remarks, stating, “Who thinks of women as something to lick? That is the most disgusting description someone can come up with. Just the other day, Surjewala’s colleague was asking ‘rate’ of another BJP woman leader, and now this…This is Rahul Gandhi’s Congress. It is misogynistic and abhors women.”
Surjewala defended himself, asserting that he respects Hema Malini and even mentioned in the video that she is “our daughter-in-law.” He blamed the IT cell for distorting the video to spread misinformation and urged people to listen to the full context of his statement. Surjewala clarified, “My statement was only that in public life, everyone should be accountable to the people…I neither intended to insult Hema Malini ji nor hurt anyone. That is why I clearly said that we respect Hema Malini ji.”
The BJP retaliated against Surjewala’s comments, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alleging that the opposition resorted to derogatory language against Hema Malini as they couldn’t find any suitable candidate against her.
Amidst the controversy, the Haryana Women’s Commission issued a notice to Surjewala to appear at their office on April 9. The National Commission for Women (NCW) also condemned Surjewala’s remarks, describing them as “extremely misogynistic and outrageous to the modesty of a woman.” NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner, urging immediate action against Surjewala and requesting an Action Taken Report within three days.
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