Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday strongly rejected claims made by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju that he had agreed with the characterisation of the Congress party as “anti-women.”
The controversy arose after Rijiju, in a recent interview, suggested that Tharoor had, during a discussion, acknowledged that the Indian National Congress could be perceived in such a manner while debating the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Responding to the claim, Tharoor clarified that his remarks had been misinterpreted and asserted that he had never endorsed such a view. He emphasized that the Congress party has consistently supported women’s empowerment and legislative measures aimed at increasing women’s representation in politics.
The exchange has added to the ongoing political sparring between the Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, particularly over the narrative surrounding the Women’s Reservation Bill.
The issue is expected to remain a point of contention as political parties continue to debate gender representation and policy commitments in the run-up to key elections.
