A fresh controversy has erupted in Jharkhand after Congress leader Irfan Ansari allegedly made derogatory remarks about BJP leader Sita Soren, prompting a police complaint and widespread condemnation from the opposition.
FIR Filed Against Irfan Ansari
On Saturday, Neha Arora, the Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Jharkhand, confirmed that an FIR had been filed against Irfan Ansari in the Jamtara district for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The FIR stems from his comments about Sita Soren, a prominent BJP leader and his rival in the upcoming state elections. Arora stated that the Election Commission had also issued a strict advisory to political parties in light of the incident.
Union Minister Annapurna Devi Slams Ansari’s Comments
Union Minister Annapurna Devi quickly reacted to Ansari’s remarks, calling them a reflection of the Congress party’s mindset. “Irfan Ansari’s statement about Sita Soren exposes the mentality of the Congress party,” she said. “The Congress is anti-women and anti-youth. I strongly condemn his remarks. Will Rahul Gandhi take action against such individuals? The Congress party should remove such people from their cabinet,” she added.
Sita Soren Reacts to the Insult
Sita Soren herself responded to Ansari’s comments, expressing disbelief over the audacity of such statements. “I cannot understand where he gets the courage to speak like this. Who is giving him the confidence to make such derogatory remarks? No one has ever spoken to me like this in Jharkhand,” she said. Soren also emphasized that her party had informed the Election Commission about the incident and that the tribal population, who form a key part of her voter base, was deeply offended by Ansari’s comments. “We will not forgive him,” she added.
BJP Leaders Condemn Congress Party’s Attitude Towards Women
Other BJP leaders joined in denouncing Ansari’s comments. Ragini Singh, a BJP spokesperson, accused the Congress party of having a policy of disrespecting women. “Insulting women is a policy of the Congress party. The BJP, on the other hand, respects all women, whether they belong to our party or the Congress,” Singh said.
The Triggering Remarks
The controversy began when Ansari, the Congress candidate for the Jamtara constituency, made remarks about Sita Soren during a media interaction. Soren had posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) where she claimed that Ansari referred to her as “rejected” and a “borrowed player” while speaking to the press about his competition in the upcoming election.
Soren Demands Apology from Ansari
In her social media post, Sita Soren demanded an immediate apology from Ansari for using what she described as “indecent language.” She stated, “Congress candidate Irfan Ansari must apologize for the inappropriate language he used against me after filing his nomination. He has made personal comments about me in the past, but this time he has crossed all limits.” Soren further emphasized the need for respect towards women, stressing that such words were alarming not only for her but for all women in society. “If he can speak like this to me, imagine how other vulnerable women are treated. As long as such leaders remain in power, women will never feel safe,” she added.
BJP’s Election Strategy
Ahead of the Jharkhand assembly elections, the BJP has formed an alliance with the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), Janata Dal (United), and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). The BJP will contest 68 seats, AJSU will contest 10, JDU will field candidates in 2 constituencies, and LJP will contest in 1 seat.
The ongoing clash between BJP and Congress, ignited by Ansari’s comments, is shaping up to be a significant issue in the run-up to the state elections.