'Suited Only For Cooking...': Congress MLA's Sexist Comment Against BJP LS Candidate, Saina Nehwal Slams Remark

Reacting to the comment, BJP candidate Gayathri conveyed her distress and said that it appears like ajja (elderly person) is unaware of the significant strides women have made across all sectors today

Shamanur Shivashankarappa, the MLA representing Davangere South and an eminent educationist, stirred controversy with his sexist remarks directed at the BJP's candidate from the constituency, Gayathri Siddeshwara. Referring to her capabilities, he stated that she is only "suited for cooking." The 92-year-old MLA continued with disparaging comments and said that Gayathri "cannot even speak properly" and should prioritize understanding her constituency before soliciting votes.

In an address among Congress workers at Bunts Bhavan, Shivashankarappa, as per PTI, said, “She can't even speak properly. She is fit to cook food at home. Let her understand the problems of Davangere before seeking public support in the Lok Sabha polls." 

"She is asking voters to back the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls so that she can present the lotus to Modi," he said, adding that sending lotus to Modi will not develop Davangere since development work should take place first. 

Reacting to the comment, Davangere candidate Gayathri conveyed her distress and said that it appears like ajja (elderly person) is unaware of the significant strides women have made across all sectors today. "Shamanur Shivashankarappa has demeaned women with his statements. Are we restricted solely to the kitchen?" she questioned.

She highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on women empowerment, contrasting it with the disrespectful attitude displayed by individuals like Shivashankarappa.

Saina Nehwal Reacts To Controversy

Many people condemned the statement of the Congress leader. 

Taking to X, former World No1 badminton player Saina Nehwal said, "'Woman should be restricted to the kitchen'- This is what a top Karnataka leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa ji has said. This sexist jibe at @bjp4india candidate from Davanagere Gayathri Siddeshwara ji is least expected from a party that says 'Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon."

Saina Nehwal expressed her disappointment and questioned the Congress party's reaction to her achievements on the field. She highlighted the aspirations of girls and women to excel in any field they choose and criticized the contradiction between honoring women's strength and disrespectful behavior towards them.

She also praised the passing of the Women's Reservation Bill under PM Modi's leadership.