Maharashtra minister's crass comment on Supriya Sule sparks controversy

NCP workers led by MLA Vidya Chavan also gheraoed Sattar’s official bungalow

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar used an offensive word against NCP leader and Baramati MP Supriya Sule, which has now snowballed into a major political issue in the state.

Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi partners — Sharad Pawar-led NCP, Congress and Uddhav Thackeray group of Shiv Sena — have demanded that Sattar be sacked immediately, putting the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government on the back foot.

The NCP has launched state-wide protests against Sattar, who is an MLA from Sillod in Aurangabad.

Sule’s husband Sadanand Sule condemned the statement. “So the misogynistic leaders continue their tirade against Supriya and by default all women, who stand up to their macho behaviour and expose their character and abilities. First, it was to work in the kitchen and elsewhere, and now this statement by a sitting cabinet Minister in Maharashtra tantamounts to giving her money — the conjecture is well established. These are the people who are legislators and claim to be part of a ‘new’ progressive government they give a damn about anyone but themselves and least of all women,” Sule tweeted.

“In 24 hours, Sattar should be removed from the Cabinet,” NCP state chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said.

Meanwhile, NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto said, “The statement is an insult to all women and shows his cheap mindset. Sattar and his likes should stop testing our patience because we know how to protect the dignity of our women.” NCP Women’s wing leader Vidya Chavan also demanded that Shinde must sack Sattar or seek his resignation within 24 hours failing which they would block his entry to Mantralaya, the state secretariat.

As protests erupted, Sattar, who was earlier defiant and refused to withdraw his comments or apologise, came around. “I was only replying to those defaming us with allegations like ‘pannas khokhe’. However, if any woman feels that I have offended them in any manner, I hereby withdraw my words and also apologise… I am sorry.”

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray, who was in Buldhana, lashed out at Sattar. “So now Abdul ‘Gaddar’ has made a statement,” he said.

State Congress President Nana Patole said, “This is the Hindutva of the ‘ED’ government…they are now openly abusing ladies. Politics in Maharashtra was never like this.”

As a damage control exercise, Balasaheb’s Shiv Sena chief spokesperson and Education and Marathi Language Minister Deepak Kesarkar tendered an apology. “As spokesperson, I have apologised on behalf of Abdul Sattar. We respect Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, but there is no question of giving resignation," Kesarkar said.