India's National Commission for Women (NCW) on Tuesday issued a notice to Congress politician Ajay Rai over his "misogynistic" comment about Smriti Irani, minister for women and child development in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet.
"The Commission has taken cognizance of the misogynistic remark made by Mr Rai. The remarks are outrageous and extremely derogatory and the Commission strongly condemns such statements," the NCW said in a statement.
The commission has scheduled a hearing in the matter and sent a notice to Mr. Rai to appear before it at 12.00 pm on December 28, the NCW said in a statement.
The action against Rai came a day after his statement led to a massive backlash, both on social media and from the federally governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
During a media briefing in the Amethi area, represented by Irani in parliament, the Congress politician made a demeaning reference to the female minister's moves when she visits the region.
"Most of the factories in Amethi are on the verge of closure. Half of the factories in Jagdishpur industrial area are lying shut. Smriti Irani only comes, shows 'latka-jhatka,' and leaves," Rai said.
In India, "latkas" and "jhatkas" are used in a demeaning reference to a woman's dance moves.
The BJP immediately hit back at Rai and Congress in general.
"Rahul Gandhi loyalist Ajay Rai makes a shocking “latka-jhatka” comment on Smriti Irani ji. This is not a 'Sanyog' (coincidence), it is a 'prayog' (experiment) sponsored by the first family (Gandhis) to take political revenge because Smriti ji defeated the dynasty. Congress even insulted first woman tribal President," BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala wrote on Twitter.
Irani, for her part, urged Rahul Gandhi to clarify the intended message behind the remarks:
“Rahul Gandhi ji, heard that you have used one of your state leaders to indecently announce your candidature from Amethi for the 2024 polls. So can I take it for sure that you will contest from Amethi? Will you not run to the second seat? Aren’t you afraid??? PS: You & Mummy ji need to get your misogynistic goons a new speechwriter," she said.
Despite the backlash, Rai remained defiant as he declared that he would not apologize to Irani for his remarks, because his language wasn't "unparliamentary."
"It is a common, bol-chaal ki bhasha (way of speaking) in Amethi. It is not unparliamentary and I had no intentions of insulting anyone. I have just said in a common way. Why should I apologize?" Rai wondered.