Mahua Moitra, a Member of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress, recently found herself at the center of a social media storm following an offensive comment directed at Rekha Sharma, the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW). The controversy began with a retweet by renowned journalist Nidhi Razdan, who questioned why Sharma did not hold her own umbrella during a visit to Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, to meet with the victims of a tragic stampede.
The original tweet from the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported Sharma's visit to Hathras after the stampede that occurred following a satsang by a self-proclaimed godman known as 'Bhole Baba' or 'Narayan Sakar Hari'. The tweet included a photo showing Sharma being shielded from the sun by an aide holding an umbrella.
Razdan's retweet asked, "Why can't she hold the umbrella herself?" This prompted a sharp response from Moitra, who replied, "She's too busy holding up her boss's pyjamas." Moitra's comment quickly went viral, drawing both support and condemnation from social media users.
Critics of Sharma argued that her failure to hold her own umbrella was indicative of a sense of entitlement and privilege unbecoming of a public servant. They questioned what message it sent to the public, especially to the victims she was there to support.
However, Moitra's remark, while intended to criticize Sharma, was seen by many as unnecessarily harsh and personal. Social media reactions were mixed, with some users agreeing with Moitra's sentiment but disapproving of her choice of words. Others defended Sharma, suggesting that the focus should remain on her actions and responsibilities rather than personal attacks.
The controversy highlights the broader issues of public perception and accountability for public officials. While it is not uncommon for politicians and public figures to face scrutiny, the nature of Moitra's comment has sparked a debate about the appropriateness of personal jabs in political discourse.
Sharma has yet to respond publicly to the criticism or Moitra's comment. Meanwhile, Moitra's remark continues to generate discussion online, with users debating the line between holding officials accountable and maintaining a respectful dialogue.
