West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's participation in the Kolkata International Film Festival has stirred a heated controversy. A video circulating on social media captures Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Giriraj Singh criticizing Mamata Banerjee's energetic participation in dancing alongside Bollywood actor Salman Khan at the festival, referring to her dance as 'thumka.'
This remark has ignited a political storm, with Trinamool Congress leaders strongly condemning Singh's comments.
Singh's Critique and the Subsequent Backlash
Giriraj Singh took issue with Mamata Banerjee's 'thumka,' terming it inappropriate and questioning the Chief Minister's decision to partake in festivities amidst allegations of corruption within the state. However, Trinamool Congress leaders, including Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra, vehemently protested Singh's remarks.
In response to the backlash, Giriraj Singh defended his statement, asserting that he used the word 'jashn' (celebration) and not 'thumka.' He maintained that he was justified in criticizing Mamata Banerjee for engaging in celebratory activities while the state grapples with corruption.
Video Evidence and TMC's Allegations
This video evidence shows him to not just be uttering the words 'thunk' twice but also making gestures that leave no room for misinterpretation. His denial is another textbook example of BJP's strategy to engage in shameful conduct and then brazenly defend it, regardless of overwhelming evidence," the party wrote.
The Trinamool Congress, countering Singh's denial, shared the video where he clearly uttered the term 'thumka' and accompanied it with unmistakable gestures. The party accuses Singh of engaging in shameful conduct and defends Mamata Banerjee against what they perceive as the BJP's strategy to demean powerful women in politics.
Political Landscape and Gender Dynamics
The controversy took a gendered turn as the Trinamool Congress accused BJP leaders of harbouring an archaic mindset steeped in gender biases. Mahua Moitra, in a scathing response, deemed Singh's words against Mamata Banerjee, the only woman Chief Minister in India, as shocking. She emphasized that Mamata Banerjee's repeated electoral victories reflect the trust the people of Bengal placed in her leadership.
"Mr Singh, the reason we 'manao jashn' in Bengal is because we don't have to put up with the likes of you, the misogyny and patriarchy that is practised by you and the BJP every single day. You will tell Mamata Banerjee what is appropriate and what is not? Let me tell you it's not appropriate to deprive lakhs and crores of people of Bengal of their MNREGA dues that you and your ministry have withheld," Mahua Moitra said.
Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra condemned Giriraj Singh's remarks, highlighting the BJP's alleged misogyny and patriarchy, and further criticized Singh for withholding MNREGA dues from the people of Bengal.
Mamata Banerjee's Response
Mamata Banerjee, in response, dismissed Giriraj Singh's criticism, attributing her dance to a gesture of respect towards Bollywood personalities who invited her on stage.
"I don't know how to dance. Sometimes I dance with tribals to support them. On that day, Anil Kapoor ji took my hand to the stage. We respect Bollywood. Mine was a gesture of respect, nothing else, she stated."
She clarified that her involvement in the dance was a show of support for tribals and an acknowledgement of the respect she holds for the film industry.
As the verbal sparring continues, it raises questions about the role of political leaders in cultural events and the broader implications of such controversies on the political narrative in India.
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