NCW chairman vs. Priyanka Chaturvedi for Nitish Kumar’s comments on women in the Bihar legislature

Bihar state minister Nitish Kumar’s comments on the significance of women’s education in population control sparked a verbal spat between Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and chairman of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Rekha Sharma.

Nitish Kumar gave a detailed account in the state legislature of how an educated woman may constrain her husband during sexual activity, all the while highlighting the significance of women’s education in managing the population.
“Vehemently condemning the recent statements made by Kumar in the Vidhan Sabha,” the NCW stated in a statement. Such statements are egregiously oblivious to the rights and choices of women, in addition to being retrograde. NCW said on X that Bihar’s chief minister has to apologize to women all throughout the nation for these very hurtful comments.

Rekha Sharma, the head of NCW, also called for a “short and clear apology” from the chief minister of Bihar on social media.

As the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, I demand an immediate and unconditional apologies from Bihar’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, on behalf of all women in our nation. His crude comments made in the Vidhan Sabha offend the decency and respect that all women are entitled to. The crude and disparaging language he used in his speech is a disgrace to our civilization. One can only image the agony the state must be going through under his leadership if a leader in a democracy can say such things so freely. We demand accountability and remain steadfast in our opposition to such actions,” Sharma tweeted on Tuesday.

The head of NCW urged the leaders of the INDIA bloc to denounce and demand an apology from Kumar in a different tweet, tagging Priyanka Chaturvedi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the general secretary of the Congress, and Atishi, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party.

“It would be beneficial if @Priyankac19, @Priyankagandhi, @BDUTT, @AtishiAAP, and their friend joined forces to denounce and demand an apology from @NitishKumar.” Sharma published.

Apparently, however, Chaturvedi took offense and quickly retaliated against the NCW chairwoman.

“My dear politically motivated, biased Madam, regardless of my political views, I categorically condemn any derogatory language directed towards women, even if it originates from an ally.” Additionally, I have no doubt that the Chief Minister will examine his word choice and issue an apology. Unfortunately, from what I remember, every time we looked to you to speak out for women, you opted for selective silence and selective action—doing your position as NCW, which is meant to be nonpartisan, a great disservice,” the Sena MP retorted.

But things didn’t stop there. In response to Chaturvedi’s article on Wednesday, Sharma said, “My not so Dear Priyanka ji, do you recall how I presented you all the evidence of the leader’s past actions and you said you couldn’t do anything against him? How objective were you, remember?

A few hours later, Chaturvedi responded in two consecutive postings, asking what prevented her from acting. Actually, I had already informed you that there wasn’t much I could do if you had the evidence, etc. Did I seal your lips, bind your wrists, or knot your legs? Since you were in a position of authority, you could! You really still have it in you, but I know what’s holding you back—your passion for your party and its supporters. I’m pleased to assist in bringing it to a close now that you want to make it a drag fest!

“For the sake of openness, I urge NCW chair @sharmarekha to make the accusation against the individual public and pursue it with the appropriate authorities. Since she is the only one with the proof, I was unable to do it back then and I am unable to do it today. Instead of being a troll, demonstrate your accountability to the chair and take the necessary action, she continued.

Regarding sex education, what did Nitish Kumar say?

More births resulted from the husband’s actions. But as women get more educated, they are better able to control their husbands, which is why fewer people are having children,” stated Nitish Kumar in a rural voice.

“Journalists like you are also familiar with it. The fertility rate was 4.3 before, but it is now 2.9. We will soon reach two, the chief minister of Bihar said in the legislature.

BJP criticizes Nitish Kumar

By discussing the reproduction process in depth, the opposition Bharatiya Janata accused Kumar of “bringing shame” to the women of the state. Reporters were informed by BJP MLAs Gayatri Devi and Sweety Hembram that the chief minister “seems to have lost all sense of propriety” as she ages.

The legislative council member and head of the state BJP, Samrat Choudhary, said, “Nitish Kumar has brought shame to 6.5 crore women of Bihar.” With folded hands, I ask him to exercise caution in both his words and actions.”

“This is not the first instance of the CM acting impolitely in public. “I predict that women and girls will soon begin to avoid attending his events,” he said.

Yadav Tejashwi stands up for Nitish Kumar

Tejashwi Yadav, the deputy chief minister, spoke up for Nitish Kumar, stating that one must consider all of his remarks.

Nothing unpleasant was present. Children learn about these topics in school as part of sex education, he added.

Neetu Devi, a Congress MLA from one of the governing alliance’s parties, said that Kumar’s remarks were not malicious.

“He was trying to make a simple point but the BJP is indulging in mischief,” she said.