Mumbai, August 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A political controversy erupted in Maharashtra after Congress’s social media handle referred to Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar as “Gungi Gudiya”, drawing sharp criticism from leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), who described the remark as disrespectful towards women and demanded an apology.
Jay Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, condemned the comment in a social media post, stating that it was not merely an attack on an individual but an affront to the dignity of every woman who earns recognition through dedication, public service and merit. He said Sunetra Pawar is Maharashtra’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister and stressed that while political disagreements are natural, language that demeans women has no place in a civilised democracy.
He said politics should revolve around ideology, governance, performance and public trust rather than personal attacks targeting women. According to him, electoral victories and defeats are temporary, but respect for women must remain above political rivalry.
Senior NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal also criticised the Congress over the remark, recalling that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had once been similarly described by her political opponents before proving her leadership through her work. He said such labels do not determine a leader’s capability and urged the Congress to uphold the principles of respect for women that its national leadership often advocates.
Responding to questions about NCP workers confronting Congress office-bearers, Bhujbal said they had merely staged a protest and denied allegations of violence or vandalism. He also rejected Congress state chief Harshwardhan Sapkal’s advice to the NCP on political agitation, saying the party’s political legacy had been built through public struggles.
Former minister Nawab Malik termed the expression “Gungi Gudiya” derogatory and said insulting a woman leader amounted to insulting all women. He urged the Maharashtra Congress to apologise.
NCP MLA Rohit Pawar also said the remark should have been challenged immediately. While acknowledging that Indira Gandhi had once faced the same description, he noted that she later emerged as one of India’s most influential Prime Ministers. He added that expecting Sunetra Pawar to emulate Ajit Pawar’s outspoken political style was unrealistic, as every leader has a distinct personality and approach.
Separately, while speaking to reporters on law and order in Beed district, Rohit Pawar criticised the alleged intimidation of a journalist by a local political leader and expressed concern over the district’s crime situation.
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