Jharkhand: Jharkhand’s political landscape is rife with tension as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sita Soren, a widow and candidate in the upcoming state elections, has been driven to tears over alleged “derogatory remarks” by Congress minister Irfan Ansari.
#WATCH | Jamtara: BJP Candidate from Jamtara Sita Soren breaks down while speaking on Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari’s statement on her.
She says, “The way he made a comment against me, does he not know who I am, who’s wife I am and which house I belong to? My father-in-law… pic.twitter.com/ijbbToe1wt
— ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2024
Ansari, the Congress candidate contesting against Soren in the Jamtara constituency, is alleged to have made the remarks during a press conference after filing his nomination papers on October 24th. He is accused of labelling Soren a “rejected” and “borrowed” player, implying that her entry into politics is due to her late husband, Durga Soren, a prominent figure in the Jharkhand movement, and not her own merit. The incident has sparked outrage in the sensitive political discourse of the state, particularly among tribal communities.
Soren, who is contesting on a BJP ticket, broke down while addressing the media, denouncing Ansari’s statements. She accused him of disrespecting her legacy, her family’s contribution to the state, and the tribal community as a whole. “Does he not know who I am, whose wife I am and which house I belong to?” she asked, her voice choked with emotion.
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“I will not forgive him. The way he made a comment against me, does he not know who I am, whose wife I am and which house I belong to? My father-in-law and husband started an agitation for Jharkhand. All of our community and the women are hurt.”
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) taking cognisance and issuing a notice to the Jharkhand government, demanding a report within three days.
The BJP has also come out in support of Soren, with MP Vivek Thakur stating that the party will protest against Ansari’s remarks across the state.
Ansari, despite facing widespread criticism, has maintained that his words were misrepresented and has threatened to file a defamation suit against Soren and the BJP.
