After multiple altercations in the past week, tensions between the Congress party and the ruling BJP came to a head in the Rajya Sabha as Jaya Bachchan objected once again to being referred to by her husband's name. The heated exchange caused a walkout by opposition parties, with Congress demanding an apology from BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari for his remarks against Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. However, the focus shifted to the clash of words between Jaya Bachchan and Chairman Dhankhar, with the latter insisting that decorum must be maintained despite Bachchan's celebrity status.
Jaya Bachchan's Objection to Husband's Name Ignites Controversy in Rajya Sabha
Recently, tensions escalated in the Rajya Samaksha as Congress MP Jaya Bachchan voiced her objections to being referred to by her husband's name. This incident has sparked a heated debate and brought attention to the issue of gender equality and respect in public discourse.
Background
Jaya Bachchan, a veteran actress and longtime Rajya Sabha member, has been vocal about her opposition to being addressed by her husband, Amitabh Bachchan's name. In the past, she has publicly expressed her displeasure with such references, stating that she has her own identity and should be respected as an individual.
Recent Altercation in Rajya Sabha
On February 9, 2023, during a discussion on the Adani Group issue, BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari referred to Bachchan as "Mrs. Bachchan." This prompted a strong reaction from Bachchan, who demanded that she be addressed by her own name. Tiwari defended his remark, saying it was out of respect for her husband.
The heated exchange escalated, leading to a walkout by opposition parties. The Congress demanded an apology from Tiwari, which the BJP declined.
Clash with Chairman Dhankhar
After the uproar, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar intervened and emphasized the need for maintaining decorum in the House. He suggested that Bachchan could be addressed as "Jayaji" to avoid using either her name or her husband's.
However, Bachchan refused, stating that she did not need to be given a different name and should be accorded the same respect as male members.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Why did Jaya Bachchan object to being addressed as "Mrs. Bachchan"? She believes that it undermines her own identity and suggests that she is merely an extension of her husband.
What is the significance of her objection? It highlights the issue of gender equality and the societal practice of defining women by their husbands.
How did the Rajya Sabha Chairman respond to the controversy? He emphasized the need for decorum and suggested using a neutral form of address, but Bachchan declined.
What was the reaction from opposition parties? They walked out of the House in solidarity with Bachchan, demanding an apology from the BJP MP.
Has this issue been raised before in the Rajya Sabha? Yes, Bachchan has previously objected to being referred to by her husband's name in the House.
Conclusion
Jaya Bachchan's objection has sparked a significant debate about gender equality and respect in public spaces. It underscores the importance of valuing women as individuals and recognizing their own identities, regardless of their marital status. The incident also highlights the need for political discourse to be conducted with due decorum and respect for all participants.
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