NCST Issues Notice Over Irfan Ansari’s Remarks on Tribal Leader Sita Soren

In the lead-up to the Jharkhand Assembly elections, a significant controversy has emerged involving Congress Minister Irfan Ansari and BJP leader Sita Soren, both contesting from the Jamtara constituency. On October 24, 2024, after filing his nomination papers, Ansari allegedly referred to Soren as a “rejected” and “borrowed player,” remarks that have sparked widespread condemnation.

Sita Soren, visibly emotional, addressed the media on October 27, stating, “Ansari has been targeting me since my candidature from the seat was announced. But, the derogatory remarks he made after filing his nomination are not acceptable. It is an insult to women of the tribal community. The tribal community will never forgive him.”

In response to the uproar, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) issued a notice to the Jharkhand government, demanding a report within three days on Ansari‘s alleged derogatory remarks. The NCST warned that officials might be summoned if no response is received.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also taken cognizance of the matter. Jharkhand’s Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Neha Arora, confirmed that an FIR has been registered against Ansari in Jamtara district for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Arora stated, “A case of MCC violation has been registered. An FIR has been registered in Jamtara district for violating MCC provisions. Strict advisory has also been issued to all the political parties in this regard.”

Union Minister Annapurna Devi criticised Ansari’s remarks, asserting, “He (Irfan Ansari) has given a very wrong statement on Sita Soren. This exposes the mentality of the Congress party. The Congress party is anti-women and anti-youth… I condemn this statement… Will Rahul Gandhi take back the tickets given to people with such a low level of thinking?… The Congress party should remove such people from the cabinet.”

In a related development, Jayshree Soren, daughter of Sita Soren, filed a case under the SC/ST Atrocities Act against Ansari on November 2, 2024. The complaint, lodged at Jamtara SC/ST police station, accuses Ansari of making derogatory remarks and character assassination attempts against her mother and younger sister, Vijayashree.

As the Jharkhand Assembly elections approach, scheduled in two phases on November 13 and 20, with results to be declared on November 23, this controversy has intensified the political climate in the state. The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), part of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, faces the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), and Janata Dal (United).

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The incident underscores the heightened sensitivities and the critical role of respectful discourse in the electoral process, especially concerning issues of gender and community respect.