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On Sabrimala-row, Smriti Irani makes a reference to blood-soaked pads

On Sabrimala-row, Smriti Irani makes a reference to blood-soaked pads

Oct 23, 2018
03:43 pm

What's the story

Wading into the ongoing row pertaining to women's entry in Sabarimala, Union Minister Smriti Irani asked if anyone would take blood-soaked pads to their friend's house. Speaking at Young Thinkers' Conference organized by the British Deputy High Commission and the Observer Research Foundation in Mumbai, Irani said while everyone has the right to pray, they don't have right to desecrate. Here's more.

What she said

Would you take blood-soaked sanitary napkins to friend's place: Irani

Citing its plain common sense, Irani said one would not take blood-soaked pads to a friend's place. "Do you think it's respectful to do the same thing when you walk into the house of God? So that is the difference," she added. She said it was her opinion and added as a minister it is best if she didn't speak on Supreme Court's verdict.

Multi-faith reference

Irani gave example of her life, marriage and kids' upbringing

When Irani was asked about the protests at the base camps, she gave examples of her life. She said being a Hindu, she married a Parsi but ensured her sons practise Zoroastrianism, and revealed both of them have done their Navjote. Irani added when she took her son to Fire Temple in Andheri, she wasn't allowed inside but her husband was. So while they prayed, she waited outside.

Complete story

Notably, woman accused of carrying pads has denied claims

Rehana Fathima, one of the many women, who started on the unsuccessful trek to Lord Ayyappa's shrine, has refuted rumors that she took a sanitary pad along. "When this allegation surfaced, the police checked my 'irumudikettu' and my partner's and even took photos of it," she said. Speaking to Quint, Fathima said, her Muslim identity was questioned and rumors were spread to misguide people.

Reactions

Irani's statement gets mixed reactions from netizens

Netizens gave sharp reactions to Irani's comments. Slamming her, @MickieMerchant tweeted: Much ado about nothing and something God-given. Smriti Irani being a speaker at the Young Thinker's Conference while airing regressive opinions is the important issue here. Defending her, @iPurohitHarshal tweeted: Putting pad where it belongs has no issue but if some1 keeps pad in hands wanting to enter temple is disrespect of Dharma.

Twitter Post

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