A new controversy has erupted in Maharashtra politics over a comment made about NCP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Maharashtra Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal allegedly used the term “dumb doll” to describe Sunetra Pawar, prompting a sharp attack from NCP leaders. The NCP called the comment an insult to a female leader and reminded the Congress of the political journey of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
In fact, Sunetra Pawar is the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and the Minister in Charge of Beed district. During an event, journalists asked her a question, but NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde answered instead. Sharing a video from the same event on social media, Maharashtra Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal commented on Sunetra Pawar, calling her a “dumb doll.”
The comments sparked heated political tensions in Maharashtra. NCP leaders and MLAs attacked the Congress party, calling it derogatory towards women. Party leaders also cited the example of Indira Gandhi.
The same word was used for Indira Gandhi as well.
The term “dumb doll” is not new in Indian politics. In 1966, socialist leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia made a similar remark about then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister on January 19, 1966. Initially, many political opponents considered her leadership weak, but she later established a strong hold on Indian politics.
Indira Gandhi went on to become one of the most influential Prime Ministers of the country. This is why the NCP is now responding to the Congress leader’s remarks by linking them to that old political context.
A long history of underestimating women leaders
There have been many women leaders in Indian politics who were initially dismissed as weak or inexperienced, but later forged their own political identities. Sucheta Kripalani, the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, is a prime example. After becoming Chief Minister in October 1963, she led the state for nearly four years.
During his tenure, several major decisions were made regarding administrative strictness and development plans. Even during a prolonged strike by state employees, he remained unwavering and established himself as a strong administrator.
Many big examples from Jayalalitha to Mayawati
Jayalalithaa’s journey in Tamil Nadu politics was also fraught with struggle. After facing humiliation in the Assembly, she resolved to return to power and later served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu several times. Similarly, Mayawati served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh four times, establishing a strong foothold in state politics.
Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi also faced criticism early on for her lack of political experience. Despite this, she held power in Bihar for a long time. In Delhi, Sheila Dikshit served three consecutive terms as Chief Minister, overseeing major infrastructure developments in the capital.
Mamata Banerjee, former Chief Minister of West Bengal, has been a prominent example of female leadership in Indian politics. She challenged the decades-old political dominance of the Left Front. Through the Singur and Nandigram movements, Mamata Banerjee consolidated her political foothold and ended the 34-year-old Left Front rule in the 2011 assembly elections.
Congress’s troubles increase due to comments on Sunetra Pawar
Now, the “dumb doll” comment about Sunetra Pawar has brought the Congress party under political attack in Maharashtra. The NCP is linking it not just to the comment about Sunetra Pawar, but to a mindset that undermines women leadership.
In political history, many women leaders, such as Indira Gandhi, Sucheta Kripalani, Jayalalithaa, Mayawati, Sheila Dikshit, and Mamata Banerjee, have established strong political identities despite initial criticism and opposition. Consequently, the controversy surrounding the comments made about Sunetra Pawar is likely to escalate further in Maharashtra politics in the coming days.