Expressing her dismay, Nehwal took to her social media account to denounce Shivashankarappa’s remark.She wrote, “Women should be restricted to the kitchen – this is what a top Karnataka leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa ji has said.” Nehwal emphasized that such comments were unexpected, especially from a party like BJP, which advocates women empowerment.
Nehwal, who clinched a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, voiced her discontent over the prevalent misogyny in society, particularly when women are striving to excel in various fields.
She questioned the Congress’s stance on female achievements and highlighted the significance of respecting and empowering women, adding, “When I won medals for Bharat on the play field what would congress party have preferred I should have done? Why say like that when all the girls and women dream of achieving big in any field they like ….On one hand we are doing Nari Shakti ko Vandan. The Women’s Reservation Bill has been passed under leadership of our PM Modi sir and on the other hand Nari Shakti ka apman & misogynistic people.”
Shivashankarappa’s controversial statement was made during an address to Congress party workers at Bunts Bhavan in the district. He remarked, “She (Gayathri) does not even know how to speak properly. She is fit to cook food at home.” This comment drew widespread criticism, especially considering Shivashankarappa’s stature in Karnataka politics and his past involvement in sports as a former owner of the Davanagere Diamonds franchise in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL).
(Inputs from PTI)