‘Insult to daughters of the nation': Amid row over MP minister's jibe, NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar bats for Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
In a veiled dig at Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Wednesday condemned the 'derogatory' statements made against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and appealed to people to use 'respectful language and attitude towards women in public life'.
Rahatkar made the remarks in a post on X. While she did not name anybody, her post comes after Shah, a minister in the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, said earlier this week that those who had widowed India's daughters were taught a lesson by Prime Minister Narendra Modi using their 'own sister'. The Congress had alleged that Shah was referring to Colonel Qureshi, who briefed the media on Operation Sindoor last week.
In her post, Rahatkar wrote, 'It is extremely unfortunate that statements are being made by some responsible persons which are derogatory and unacceptable towards women. This not only hurts the dignity of women in our society but is also an insult to the daughters of the nation who are playing an important role in the security of the country.'
'Dear Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a proud daughter of this nation, a sister of all Indians who love their country, who has served the country with courage and dedication. It is our responsibility to respect her hard work, dedication, and leadership skills. The entire country is proud of brave women like Colonel Sofiya, and such derogatory statements against her should be strongly condemned,' Rahatkar further wrote.
Rahatkar also referred to the CBSE board exam results announced on Tuesday, in which girls outperformed boys, saying, 'When girls have once again proved their mettle by performing brilliantly in the latest CBSE results, it becomes even more important that we adopt a respectful attitude towards women. To move towards a progressive nation, it is necessary that women move ahead and lead in every field. Everyone is urged to adopt a respectful language and attitude towards women in public life.'
She added: 'Underestimating the participation and contribution of women is not only unacceptable but also an obstacle to the development of the country.'
Rahatkar's post came on a day when Aam Aadmi Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh criticised Shah for his remarks, saying he 'should be removed from the Cabinet and arrested'.
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