On July 24, 2024, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar sparked outrage in the state Assembly by making sexist remarks towards a woman MLA from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). During a heated debate, Kumar shouted at Rekha Devi, an RJD MLA, saying: "You are a woman. Do you realise that it was only after I assumed power that women started getting their dues in Bihar? You are a woman, (still) you do not know anything."
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Kumar's outburst was in response to opposition members, including women MLAs, protesting the state government's amended reservation laws and demanding their incorporation in the 9th schedule of the Constitution. The Chief Minister's remarks were widely condemned by RJD leaders, including Leader of Opposition Rabri Devi, who accused him of having no respect for women.
Context and Reactions
This is not the first time Nitish Kumar has faced criticism for his comments on women. A few days prior to this incident, he had made a lewd comment about a BJP woman MLA from the tribal class. RJD MLA Rekha Devi termed Kumar's remark as an insult to women and said it reflected his lack of control over his mind.
Tejashwi Yadav, a senior RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, also reacted strongly, stating that Kumar's habit of making cheap and uncivilized comments against women was a serious and worrying issue for the state.
Background
In 1992, the Supreme Court capped reservations for backward classes at 50%. The Bihar government has since moved to hike reservations for SC, ST, OBCs, and extremely backward classes to 65%. The government has requested the Centre to incorporate these changes in the 9th schedule of the Constitution, which includes a list of laws that cannot be challenged in courts.