Sona Mohapatra slams Rahul Gandhi for targeting Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
What's the story
Singer Sona Mohapatra has come out in defense of actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeted her during his "Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra."
Criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the alleged exclusion of marginalized communities from Ram Mandir's Pran Pratishtha ceremony, Gandhi mentioned Amitabh Bachchan and his daughter-in-law, sparking controversy.
His remarks against Rai Bachchan didn't sit well with Mohapatra, who expressed her disapproval on X/Twitter.
Here's what happened.
Statement
Here's what Gandhi said
During one of his rallies, Gandhi recently claimed marginalized communities were excluded from Ram Mandir's consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22.
He highlighted the alleged lack of invitations to Dalits and Other Backward Class (OBC) members, calling it an insult to these groups.
"By inviting industrialists and [Bachchan] and [Rai Bachchan], Modi gave the message that the country's 73% of people have no importance," said Gandhi in Lalganj Indira Chowk, Rampur Khas Assembly constituency, Uttar Pradesh.
Controversial stance
Gandhi mocked Rai Bachchan which sparked controversy
Moreover, at a separate rally, Gandhi reportedly mocked Rai Bachchan.
He said, "[Rai Bachchan] will be seen dancing and Bachchan saab will do a Balle Balle!"
This statement reportedly triggered derogatory language from online trolls, labeling the Guru actor a nachne wali (dancer).
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also commented on Gandhi's remarks.
Slamming him, Poonawalla said Gandhi has been "continuously attacking someone who is not in politics," referring to Rai Bachchan.
Reaction
'What's with politicians demeaning women': Mohapatra
Reacting to the whole controversy, Mohapatra tweeted, "What's with politicians demeaning women in their speeches to get some brownie points in a sexist landscape?"
"Dear [Gandhi], sure someone has demeaned your own mother (Sonia Gandhi) and sister (Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) similarly in the past, and irrespective you ought to know better?" she wrote.
She concluded by stating, "Also, [Rai Bachchan] dances beautifully (sic)."
Insights
Mohapatra highlights artistry of courtesans in Indian history
Separately, on Mohapatra's post, a user commented, "Dancing like a courtesan is beautiful???"
"Thank God she didn't try to attempt Odissi else those horrible body bends in Umrao Jaan speak a lot about so-called dance (sic)."
Mohapatra replied, saying, "'Dancing like a courtesan' is indeed a compliment you foolish illiterate... From Amrapali, Barani, Purasati to even Umrao Jaan, the courtesans of Indian history were treasure troves and revered for their art, artistry, and command over languages and poetry, performing arts."
Twitter Post
Take a look at Mohapatra's post here
What’s with politicians demeaning women in their speeches to get some brownie points in a sexist landscape?Dear #RahulGandhi ,sure someone has demeaned your own mother, sister similarly in the past & irrespective you ought to know better? Also, #AishwaryaRai dances beautifully.🙏🏾
— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) February 21, 2024