‘Fit For Kitchen’: After Supriya Shrinate, Another Congress Leader Under Fire For Sexist Remark On Woman Candidate

Shivashankarappa, 92 and a five-time MLA from Davangere South, is Congress party's oldest MLA. 

Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa stirred a controversy with his remarks against BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate from Davangere. While extending support to his daughter-in-law, Congress candidate Prabha Mallikarjun, Shivashankarappa made a statement suggesting that the BJP candidate only possesses culinary skills. The BJP’s candidate for the seat is Gayathri Siddeshwara, the wife of Davangere MP GM Siddeshwara. This comes amid the uproar surrounding Supriya Shrinate’s comment about Kangana Ranaut’s ‘rate card’.

Speaking at a party workers’ meeting, Shivashankarappa downgraded Siddeshwara’s qualifications, claiming that she lacks the ability to address public issues effectively.

“As you all know she wanted to give lotus flower to Modi by winning the elections. First, let them understand the problems of Davangere. We (Congress) have done developmental work in the region. It’s one thing to know how to talk, but they know only to cook in the kitchen, the opposition party doesn’t have the strength to talk in front of the public,”  Shivashankarappa said.

In response to Shivashankarappa’s comments, Gayathri Siddeshwara emphasized the significant progress women have achieved in various fields, even in traditionally male-dominated professions. She highlighted the capabilities and achievements of women beyond household roles.

“He said it in a way that we should only cook and remain in the kitchen. What profession are women not in today? We are even flying in the sky. The old man doesn’t know how much women have progressed, he doesn’t know the love with which all women cook at home for men, children and elders,” said Siddeshwara.

Meanwhile, the BJP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against the Congress MLA over his remark.

Karnataka BJP Vice President Malavika Avinash said it was “surprising” that Shamanur Shivashankarappa made such remarks as the Congress leader’s daughter-in-law is also in the fray.

“One is really surprised that he should have spoken in such a lowly manner of another lady who is contesting from that constituency,” said Avinash. She demanded an apology from the Congress over the MLA’s remark and said it has become “habitual behaviour” of the party.

Shivashankarappa, 92 and a five-time MLA from Davangere South, is Congress party’s oldest MLA.