Badminton sensation Saina Nehwal has strongly criticized the derogatory remarks made by Karnataka Congress MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa towards BJP leader Gayathri Siddeshwara. The 92-year-old Congress MLA suggested that women should confine themselves to the kitchen.

In response to these comments, Saina Nehwal emphasized the urgency of breaking away from such outdated perspectives.

“Incredibly disappointed to hear the statement ‘Women should be restricted to the kitchen’ by a senior Karnataka leader, Shamanur Shivashankarappa ji. This sexist remark directed at @bjp4india candidate from Davanagere, Gayathri Siddeshwara ji, is completely unexpected from a party that advocates ‘Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon’,” Ms. Nehwal expressed in a post on X.

In response to Mr Shivashankarappa’s comments, Gayathri Siddeshwara, the BJP’s candidate for Davangere South, highlighted the strides women have made across various professions, including those traditionally dominated by men. 

“He said it in a way that we should only cook and remain in the kitchen. What profession are women not in today? We are even flying in the sky. The old man doesn’t know how much women have progressed, he doesn’t know the love with which all women cook at home for men, children and elders,” said Ms Siddeshwara.

The BJP has lodged a complaint against Mr Shivashankarappa with the Election Commission of India.