Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sharply criticized Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over his recent comments on population control, deeming them “shameful.” Sitharaman’s rebuke came during her visit to Bhopal, where she is actively participating in the campaign for the impending Madhya Pradesh assembly election scheduled for this month.
Expressing her dismay, Sitharaman pointed out the absence of strong condemnation from leaders of the INDIA bloc and Congress family regarding Kumar’s remarks. She underscored the disturbing mentality displayed by the alliance, emphasizing that women were being viewed primarily as a vote bank rather than as individuals with rights and dignity.
Kumar’s controversial statements were made during a debate on caste census in the Bihar Assembly, where he suggested that educating women would lead to a reduction in sexual intercourse and, consequently, control population growth.
Despite Kumar’s subsequent apology on Wednesday, Sitharaman stressed the importance of more robust condemnation from political leaders. She highlighted the need for a deeper understanding and respect for women’s autonomy and rights within the political discourse.
In contrast, Sitharaman commended the Madhya Pradesh government for its strides in healthcare and development. She cited a substantial increase in the number of medical colleges, growing from five to 30 over the past two decades. Additionally, medical seats surged from 620 to 4,000, contributing to improved healthcare infrastructure in the state.
Sitharaman also lauded the effectiveness of the Mukhyamantri Laldi Bahna Yojana, a scheme benefitting 1.32 crore women. These positive initiatives, according to Sitharaman, demonstrated the commitment of the Madhya Pradesh government to holistic development.
Madhya Pradesh is gearing up for polls on November 17, with voters set to elect legislators from 230 Assembly constituencies. The results of the election will be disclosed on December 3. The state remains a crucial battleground, with political leaders actively engaging in campaigning to secure support from the electorate.