Row erupts over Congress leader’s ‘side dish’ remark on women in politics; BJP hits out

In February 2026, Congress leader C Motamma made a public statement during an event in Mangaluru, Karnataka. She spoke about the role of women in politics and gave advice to women who wish to participate. Her comments have now become a topic of discussion across political circles. During the event, Motamma encouraged women to be assertive and active in politics. She advised women not to rely on pleasing leaders or using glamour to attract attention. Instead, she urged women to focus on their strength and to be confident in their abilities. She emphasized that behaving obediently or seeking approval through superficial means can weaken a woman's position and make it harder to be taken seriously in politics. Her remarks have received both support and criticism. Some people agree with her view that women should be strong and assertive. Others believe her comments could be misinterpreted or may reinforce negative stereotypes. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a rival political party, strongly criticized Motamma’s comments. The BJP condemned her statement and accused the Congress party of having a history of making insensitive remarks about women. They argued that such comments are not respectful and do not promote a positive environment for women in politics. Pratyush Kanth, a national spokesperson for the BJP, pointed out that the Congress party often shows a lack of respect towards women. He also highlighted that the Indian government is actively working to increase women's representation, with a goal to reserve 33 percent of seats in legislative bodies for women. This effort shows a commitment to empowering women, which some believe contrasts with the tone of Motamma's remarks. The controversy also touches on past incidents involving Congress leaders. In January 2026, Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya faced criticism for comments about sexual violence. His remarks included references to caste and religion, which further drew public backlash. These incidents have contributed to ongoing debates about the attitude of some Congress leaders towards sensitive issues related to women and social groups. The current situation highlights the ongoing discussion about women’s roles and respect in politics. While some leaders call for women to be assertive, critics worry about the tone and implications of such statements. The debate raises questions about how political parties should promote respect and equality for women. The official stance of the Congress party on Motamma’s comments has not been publicly detailed. However, the incident has stirred public discussion about the treatment of women in the political arena and the messages conveyed by political leaders. In summary, this controversy stems from a speech by a Congress leader urging women to be assertive and focus on their strength in politics. The reactions include praise from supporters and criticism from opponents. The debate reflects broader issues about respect, gender equality, and social attitudes in Indian politics today.