In a recent statement that has sparked controversy, senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Abdul Bari Siddiqui expressed concerns about the Women's Reservation Bill, which recently passed in the Rajya Sabha during a special parliamentary session.
Addressing an event in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, Siddiqui remarked, "Those with lipsticks and bob-cut hairstyles would come forward in the name of women's reservation. The government should instead provide reservations for women belonging to backward communities."
Siddiqui's comments have drawn criticism from various quarters. BJP MP Sunita Duggal condemned the statement, stating, "This shows their narrow mindset. Women are making a mark in every area. Giving such statements represents their rude mentality. They want women to do only household work and not contribute to the outside world."
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JMM MP Mahua Maji also weighed in, emphasizing the need to avoid such statements that could hurt women. "We are in the 21st century today. One should avoid making such statements, which can hurt women. We also want women from backward classes to come forward. We are also talking about the reservation of SC, ST, and OBC women in the Women's Reservation Bill."
Defending his remarks, Siddiqui later clarified that his statement aimed at the "ease of understanding for the rural people" and had no intent of causing harm. Meanwhile, he urged his supporters to refrain from excessive television and social media consumption until the conclusion of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "Stop watching TV and spending time on social media without using your brains," he advised.
