Congress's reported use of the term "gungi gudiya" (silent doll) for Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has triggered a political row in the state, with the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition exchanging sharp criticism.
The controversy emerged after the Congress shared a video on social media following a media interaction on Monday in which journalists questioned Sunetra Pawar about the law-and-order situation in Beed district. During the interaction, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde, who was present, allegedly intervened before Pawar could respond.
Sharing the video, the Congress questioned how long Sunetra Pawar would remain a "gungi gudiya," alleging that she was not being given an opportunity to express her views independently.
Following the post, leaders of the ruling alliance criticised the remark, describing it as an insult to a woman leader.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the Congress's comment, stating that Sunetra Pawar is Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister and that using such language against her amounts to an insult to all women in the state.
Shinde demanded an immediate apology from the Congress, saying the remark was not merely political criticism but also an affront to the dignity of the state's women. He also said the Congress had used derogatory language against women during the 2024 elections and claimed that voters had responded to it in the polls. He further asserted that the women of Maharashtra would again respond appropriately to such statements.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also criticised the Congress's remark, saying that such language had not previously been seen in Maharashtra's political culture.
Fadnavis said the opposition was resorting to controversial statements to remain in the headlines because it was not receiving public support. He stated that while political disagreement is part of democracy, personal and insulting remarks weaken democratic traditions.
The Chief Minister also said political parties should maintain decorum in their public discourse.
The Congress's social media post and accompanying remark also prompted extensive discussion on social media, with supporters and critics expressing differing views.
Congress supporters said the comment was intended to question Sunetra Pawar's political role and public communication rather than criticise her personally. Leaders of the Mahayuti alliance, however, said such terminology was unacceptable when used for a woman public representative.
Sunetra Pawar is Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister. Following the controversy, the ruling alliance has linked the issue to the dignity of women, while the opposition has maintained that the remark was part of political criticism.
