77-year-old BJP MP Bansilal Mahto says Chhattisgarh girls are 'tan-a-tan'
What's the story
Reaffirming the long association of politics and misogyny, a BJP leader has come under scanner for his sexist comments. Bansilal Mahto, the 77-year-old MP who represents Chhattisgarh's Korba in Lok Sabha, on Monday said the girls of the state are now becoming "tan-a-tan." He was speaking at a wrestling competition. His comment has sparked outrage and the opposition is demanding a public apology.
Incident
'Now there's no need for girls from Mumbai and Kolkata'
"State sports minister Bhaiyalal Rajwade often tells me that now there is no need for girls from Mumbai and Kolkata. Turis (girls) from Korba and girls of Chhattisgarh are now becoming tan-a-tan," the septuagenarian leader said. However, Rajwade has clarified he never said anything of the sort and Mahto had "picked up a line from his earlier statement and quoted it out of context."
Criticism
'Mahto's remark indicates BJP's mindset towards women'
Mahto's sexist remark has invited the wrath of several people, including those from the opposition. Amit Jogi, the son of former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi, who was also present at the event, condemned Mahto's thoughtless comment. "It is very unfortunate for a veteran MP to make such unsavoury remarks. It clearly indicates BJP's mindset towards women," he said.
Other instances
Not the first time a politician has made sexist comments
This isn't the first time an Indian politician has made a 'casual' sexist remark publicly. The list is too long, but here are a few recent incidents. In January'17, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav had said a vote's honor was more important than a daughter's. BJP's Vinay Katiyar had said if Priyanka Vadra could use her "beauty" to get votes, BJP could do it too.