Congress 'Gungi Gudiya' Post on Sunetra Pawar Sparks NCP, BJP Reactions

New Delhi: A sharp war of words has erupted between Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after the former used the phrase 'gungi gudiya' (dumb doll) in a social media post targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. The remark has triggered a political storm, with the NCP demanding an apology and even threatening to review its ties with the Congress within the INDIA bloc.

Congress's Post and Immediate Backlash

The Congress's official social media handle posted a graphic referring to Sunetra Pawar as 'gungi gudiya', a term that translates to 'dumb doll'. The post was part of the party's criticism of the Maharashtra government led by the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition. It did not take long for the NCP, led by Sharad Pawar, to respond.

Senior NCP leaders condemned the remark as sexist and undemocratic, accusing the Congress of insulting a woman leader who holds a constitutional post. The party said the language reflected the Congress's inability to accept women in positions of power, especially those from rival political families.

NCP's Indira Gandhi Reminder

In a pointed counterattack, the NCP reminded Congress of its own history with Indira Gandhi, the country's first woman Prime Minister. Party leaders asked if the Congress was now indirectly accepting the criticism that was once directed at Indira Gandhi, who was also referred to by similar derogatory terms by her political opponents. The comparison was aimed at exposing what the NCP called the Congress's hypocrisy on women's representation.

NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil, in a statement, questioned whether the Congress's use of such language was an admission that past critiques of Indira Gandhi were valid. He argued that the party, which often claims to champion women's rights, had no moral ground to use such terms for any woman, let alone a sitting Deputy Chief Minister.

Demand for Apology or Exit from INDIA Bloc

The NCP has now formally asked Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to issue an unconditional apology to Sunetra Pawar. Party insiders say that if the apology does not come, the NCP may reconsider its position in the opposition INDIA bloc, which was formed to take on the BJP in the 2024 general elections. The bloc has been fragile, with several allies complaining about Congress's dominance and lack of consultation.

Sharad Pawar, known for his political acumen, has not yet commented publicly, but sources suggest he is upset with the remark. The NCP's hard stance could put the opposition alliance under further stress, especially with state elections in Maharashtra expected later this year. The Congress, on its part, has not withdrawn the post, but party leaders have hinted that the matter is being discussed internally.

BJP Joins the Fray

The ruling BJP has also jumped into the controversy, calling the Congress's remark an insult to women and the Constitution. BJP leaders have demanded that Congress apologise to Sunetra Pawar, who is also the wife of NCP leader Ajit Pawar, a key ally in the Maharashtra government. The BJP has used the opportunity to portray the Congress as anti-women and arrogant, further widening the political divide.

Political observers note that the episode could have implications beyond Maharashtra, as the INDIA bloc is already struggling to keep its members united ahead of key elections. The Congress's repeated missteps have given its allies ammunition to question its leadership, and the 'gungi gudiya' remark is being seen as another example of the party's failure to manage its coalition partners.

Meanwhile, Sunetra Pawar herself has not reacted publicly, but her supporters have condemned the remark, calling it an attack on her dignity and her work as Deputy Chief Minister. The controversy is expected to dominate political discourse in the coming days, with both the NCP and BJP pressing for action against the Congress.

What remains to be seen is whether the Congress will issue a formal apology to placate the NCP, or whether the INDIA bloc will face another public spat that could weaken its prospects in the upcoming electoral battles.