Mumbai |: A fresh political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after the Maharashtra Congress used the term “Gungi Gudiya” (Silent Doll) for Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on social media. The remark has triggered a sharp exchange between the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), with both sides defending their positions and accusing each other of political hypocrisy.
The controversy has also revived historical references to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was once described by the same term early in her political career before later earning praise for her leadership.
Congress Defends the Remark
Responding to the criticism, Maharashtra Congress Committee President Harshvardhan Sapkal said that the phrase “Gungi Gudiya” was neither abusive nor unparliamentary.
He argued that the expression has historical significance in Indian politics, noting that Indira Gandhi had also been referred to by the same term during the early years of her political career.
Sapkal said that Indira Gandhi later proved her leadership capabilities and was eventually praised by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who famously described her as “Durga” following India’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
He suggested that Sunetra Pawar should similarly demonstrate her leadership through her work and achievements.
Why Congress Used the Phrase
Explaining the context, Sapkal said the remark was linked to a recent incident in Beed, where, according to the Congress leader, a public representative allegedly prevented a journalist from asking questions while Sunetra Pawar stood beside him without intervening.
Sapkal alleged that the Deputy Chief Minister remained silent during the incident, standing with folded hands and a finger placed over her lips.
According to him, this silence prompted the Congress to use the phrase “Gungi Gudiya.”
Congress Criticises Sunetra Pawar’s Silence
The Congress further alleged that Sunetra Pawar has remained silent on several significant political and administrative issues.
Harshvardhan Sapkal claimed that she had not spoken publicly on matters including:
- Alleged concerns surrounding an aviation-related incident involving Ajit Pawar.
- Political developments affecting the Finance Department.
- Issues concerning the authority and functioning of NCP leaders within the state government.
According to the Congress, the criticism was aimed at highlighting what it described as the Deputy Chief Minister’s lack of public response on important issues.
NCP Strongly Condemns the Statement
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) reacted strongly to the Congress’s remarks.
Party workers reportedly gathered outside the Congress office in Mumbai to register their protest against the statement.
NCP leader Umesh Patil questioned whether the Congress was contradicting its own political history by using a phrase that had once been directed at Indira Gandhi.
He argued that if the Congress now objects to criticism of women leaders, it should also recognize the historical context of similar remarks made against its own former Prime Minister.
NCP Calls the Language Inappropriate
Umesh Patil described the Congress’s social media post as inappropriate and said that political parties should avoid using language that could be perceived as disrespectful towards women.
He emphasized that Sunetra Ajit Pawar, who currently serves as Deputy Chief Minister and is also associated with the NCP’s national leadership, deserves respectful political discourse regardless of party differences.
According to the NCP, criticism should focus on policies and governance rather than personal characterizations.
Historical Context of ‘Gungi Gudiya’
The phrase “Gungi Gudiya” occupies a notable place in India’s political history.
It was used by some political opponents to describe Indira Gandhi during the early phase of her political career, implying that she lacked political independence or influence.
However, after demonstrating decisive leadership during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Indira Gandhi earned widespread recognition, with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee famously referring to her as “Durga.”
The Congress has cited this historical transformation to argue that the phrase does not necessarily constitute an insult but rather reflects a stage that can be overcome through leadership.
Political Tensions Intensify
The latest exchange has added another layer to the ongoing rivalry between the Congress and the NCP in Maharashtra.
While the Congress maintains that its criticism was directed at the Deputy Chief Minister’s public silence on governance issues, the NCP insists that the language used was inappropriate and disrespectful.
As political reactions continue, the controversy is expected to remain a subject of debate in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with both parties defending their respective positions over the use and interpretation of the controversial phrase.
