Population Control Row: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sparked controversy while making bizarre remarks on contraception in the state assembly. He faced severe backlash from the opposition for such insensitive and sexist remarks.
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Chief Minister Nitish Kumar while addressing the Bihar Legislative Assembly on the Caste Census stated that an educated woman can help in population control by preventing pregnancy after physical intimacy with her partner. He made such bizarre and crass statements while mentioning the importance of education for women which led to strong criticism of the leader from the opposition.
CM Nitish Kumar, speaking on the socioeconomic aspect of caste census, highlighted that the education of a woman can be a pivotal factor in influencing her spouse to prevent pregnancy. These remarks have been widely condemned by the opposition, women MLAs and the Women Organizations. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav came out in support of CM Nitish Kumar by stating that sex education is a part of biology and is taught in schools. He also said that the CM spoke about Population control which should not be misinterpreted.
Criticisms for Remarks
The Opposition BJP strongly condemned and flayed the CM for his misogynistic, vulgar, indecent, sexist and patriarchal remarks and demanded his immediate resignation. Union Minister and a senior BJP leader, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, was of the view that the remarks were a direct attack on the dignity of women and also tarnished the decorum of democracy.
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawala said that the remarks were despicable, obnoxious, disgusting and against women which and also exposed the mentality of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The Bihar BJP also condemned the CM’s explicit behavior and mentioned that there should be a restraint on his double-meaning statements. Several other BJP leaders also expressed their displeasure over such obscene remarks. Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha also held mass protests against the Bihar CM for the recent remarks. PM Modi also slammed CM Nitish Kumar for such derogatory statements.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) also criticized Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s remarks terming them to be offensive, regressive and egregiously insensitive towards women. The Commission also demanded that the CM should issue an immediate and unequivocal apology to the women across the country for his offensive remarks. The NCW chairperson, Rekha Sharma, took strong objection to such behavior and termed them to be a dark stain in society. She termed these remarks as an attack on the dignity and respect of every woman. The Women’s Rights Body vehemently condemned Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s statements in the Vidhan Sabha.
CM Nitish Kumar apologizes
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar issued an apology for his recent remarks on population control which sparked massive controversy across the nation. The CM said that he and his party always supported education and women’s empowerment. In no way he can imagine hurting the sentiments of women in the country. His party always takes measures for the upliftment of women in every field. He said that if his statements have hurt anybody, he is sorry for it. He also withdraws his statements as they have been condemned at every level.
Based on the caste-based survey, CM Nitish Kumar proposed a 75% quota in government jobs and educational institutions in Bihar. He assured that the government would bring legislation to increase the reservation limit. Government policies will be made based on the data provided in the caste-based survey to help the poor and the marginalized sections.
