War of words between NCW chief and Priyanka Chaturvedi over Nitish Kumar's remarks on women

A war of words broke out between NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi over Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's remarks on the importance of women's education to control the population.

The Bihar chief minister, while emphasising the importance of education among women to control the population, put forward a vivid description in the state assembly on Tuesday of how an educated woman can restrain her husband during sexual intercourse.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) strongly criticised Kumar's statements, labelling them as regressive and profoundly insensitive to women's rights and choices. The NCW called for an apology from the chief minister, asserting that his offensive remarks affected women across the country.

Chief Minister Kumar apologised for his remarks on Wednesday.

NCW chief Rekha Sharma took to social media, demanding an immediate and clear apology from Kumar. She condemned his derogatory language and emphasized the need for accountability.

Sharma also tagged other prominent female leaders, including Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of the Congress and Atishi of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), urging them to condemn Kumar's remarks and demand an apology.

''It will be good if the champions of the women's cause @priyankac19 @priyankagandhi @BDUTT @AtishiAAP and their friend join in to condemn and demand apology from @NitishKumar,'' Sharma posted.

Chaturvedi, in response, said selective silence and selectively action are doing a huge disservice to Sharma's chair as NCW chief which is supposedly non-partisan.

''My dear biased, politically motivated Madam, I do unequivocally condemn any language used for women which is derogatory-irrespective of my politics, even if it comes from an ally. I am also certain that Chief Minister will revisit his usage of words and apologise. Unfortunately as far as I recall, whenever we expected you to stand up for women, you chose selective silence and selectively action- doing a huge disservice to your chair as NCW which is supposedly nonpartisan,'' the MP replied.

Sharma hit back at Chaturvedi.

''My not so Dear Priyanka ji do you remember how you showed your inability to do anything against a leader who was once upon a time in your party when I showed you all the proofs of his deeds? How unbiased you were...remember?'' Sharma said, without naming anyone.

Chaturvedi asked Sharma to show responsibility to the chair rather than being a troll.

''What stopped you from taking action? In fact I had told you if you have the proof etc there's nothing much I can do! Did I tie your hands, legs or seal your lips? You were in the position of power to do so! In fact you can still do it, but I know what's stopping you, your love for your party and its allies. Now that you wish to make it a slugfest, happy to help take it to conclusion!'' she said on X.

''In the interest of transparency, I urge NCW chair @sharmarekha to bring the allegation against the person in the public domain and pursue it with relevant authorities. I could not do it then, I cannot do it now since it is only her who has the evidence. Show your responsibility to the chair and do the needful rather than being a troll,'' she added.

The exchange between the two continued even after Kumar apologised.

Chaturvedi asked Sharma to name the person against whom she has evidence and ask authorities in Maharashtra to take action.

''Now that the Chief Minister has apologised, I ask NCW Chair @sharmarekha to name the person against whom she has evidence and ask authorities in Maharashtra to take action. Does she have the courage to go beyond her politics? I sincerely doubt it,” she said.

Following which, Sharma accused Chaturvedi of playing politics.

“Again playing politics..I did that long back when he was in your party and still working on it. Remember when I told you to talk to your than CM and you showed your inability. Do something other than party hopping,” Sharma said.

Responding to it, Chaturvedi said, “You are a joke! It is well within your powers to have reached out to any CM of the country, you didn't need me! So please for once be true to your chair and the responsibility that comes with it before your silly personal attacks.'' “I again demand that you publicly name the person who you have evidence against and ask 'your' unconstitutional CM and Deputy CM to take action. Till then keep your low grade politics within your dept and the minister you report to,” Chaturvedi said in the same post.

To which, Sharma took a dig at her.

“My my where was this fire when you were part of that group miss party hopper? Khisyani billi khamba nochhay..you must have heard this which suits you perfectly. You are just a big hoax,” she said, using a Hindi proverb.