Govind Ram Meghwal, a minister in Rajasthan, has provoked outrage for his remarks about Indian women and the practise of karwa chauth, saying that although those in developed nations live in the world of science, Indian women still see the moon through a sieve. The minister cited the moon and sieve while making reference to karwa chauth, but he later emphasised that he was merely advocating for a scientific mind-set and knowledge. “I don’t object to karwa chauth. Anyone who wishes to follow it is welcome to. I was discussing the value of a scientific temperament,” he stated.
“Women in China and the US are living in the world of science, but it is unfortunate that even today, women here on Karwa Chauth see through a sieve, talk about the long life of their husbands. But a husband never sees a sieve for the long life of his wife,” the minister said.
“The minister must have heard about astronaut Kalpana Chawla,” MLA and spokesperson for the Rajasthan BJP, Ramlal Sharma, said. “He has offended the nation’s millions of women. He ought to apologise and retract his statement. He should be punished by the chief minister,” added Sharma. According to the BJP leader, Indian women are renowned for upholding traditions and understanding how to manage their personal and professional lives.