Hrithik Roshan's 5-word reply on BJP MP's 'Vande Mataram' dare to Rahul Gandhi
What does singing the Vande Mataram have to do with fighting patriarchy? That was the question actor Hrithik Roshan and scores of social media users were left asking after BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj appeared to link the two while attacking Rahul Gandhi over his "smash the patriarchy" call to women during a 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Pune. While the remarks were made in August, the video of Swaraj's comments resurfaced after Hrithik reacted to it two days ago.
"Huh? Is this real. Wow," a bemused Hrithik reacted to a video of Swaraj that was shared by Ruchira Chaturvedi, the Congress's national convenor for social media and digital communications, a month back. It brought the apparent disconnect back into the spotlight, with Swaraj facing renewed flak over the remarks.
At the time of writing the report, Hrithik's comment had already garnered over 10,000 likes and over 100 replies. Everyone had the same question - the math isn't mathing.
On August 22, Rahul, addressing a large gathering of young women, exhorted them to "smash the patriarchy" while criticising what he described as the "Manusmriti mindset".
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) cited how Prime Minister Narendra Modi singled out girls over the use of abusive language during the Jantar Mantar protests, even though boys had also hurled insults.
Rahul said it reflected a mindset that wanted women to be confined within cages and was influenced by the Manusmriti, an ancient Sanskrit text that lays down rules and social norms for Hindu society.
"The Prime Minister said that he got a cultural shock that girls used abuses. There is no problem if boys abuse?" Rahul said.
The Congress MP was referring to a video where PM Modi said that women using abusive words against him and his late mother was a "cultural shock" for India. However, the Prime Minister said he "forgives" the students.
At the session, Rahul spoke at length on violence faced by women and the disrespect they were subjected to.
"Patriarchy crushes you, frightens you, controls you. We must work together to dismantle this patriarchy. My message to you is simple - smash the patriarchy," Rahul said.BANSURI SWARAJ'S BIZARRE DARE
While Rahul's remarks invited criticism from a host of BJP leaders, Bansuri Swaraj had a rather unique dare to his "smash the patriarchy" call - sing Vande Mataram, all six stanzas.
"If you want to smash the patriarchy, I challenge you to sing the full Vande Mataram. I am very comfortable in singing the Vande Mataram in its entirety," Swaraj said at a media briefing.
The BJP MP somehow sought to link Rahul's 'patriarchy' remark with the Congress's decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram. The party has snubbed the government's move, making it compulsory to sing all six stanzas of the national song at public gatherings and official events.
Now, how is singing the Vande Mataram connected to challenging patriarchy? Swaraj did not explain. Neither did the BJP. The absence of any logical explanation had fuelled chatter online.
The Congress had amplified it on social media back then. "Does she even know what she is saying? What has smashing the patriarchy got to do with Vande Mataram?" Chaturvedi posted on Instagram along with the video.
It has now come under renewed focus following Hrithik's comment on Sunday. It has led to an avalanche of reactions and witty remarks.
"She got confused between patriarchy and patriotism," one user posted. Another commented, "I wanna be a better musician, so I am gonna order a pizza." A third quipped, "Please someone tell her that feminism and nationalism are two completely different things."
While Bansuri Swaraj did not spell out the connection, the internet was quick to offer its own punchlines after Hrithik's comment brought it back into focus. Will Swaraj respond and smash the confusion? Only time will tell.- Ends
