Higher Education Minister R. Bindu on Wednesday launched a pointy assault on the United Democratic Front (UDF), calling it a “regressive and uncivilised male collective” over a controversial public comment made by considered one of its leaders in opposition to MLA U. Prathibha.
Reacting strongly, Dr. Bindu stated the incident uncovered the UDF’s failure to even superficially internalise the values of gender justice and equality. “This reveals a mindset that is deeply insensitive to women and their rightful place in society,” she stated.
Describing women because the cornerstone of the democratic system, the Minister stated their participation in public life was the results of sustained struggles, not charity. “Women did not enter public spaces out of anyone’s generosity. It was hard-won. The belief that they can be pushed back into the kitchen still exists among some, and this incident is a reminder of that,” she stated.
The Minister additionally criticised makes an attempt to downplay the comment as a mere slip of the tongue. “Many are trying to justify it as a casual error, but this reflects a deeper pattern,” she stated, including that comparable attitudes have been typically encountered even from youthful leaders throughout the UDF, together with within the Assembly.
Demeaning angle
She alleged that women have been being acknowledged in democratic processes solely out of compulsion, and that even women leaders throughout the UDF have been subjected to such demeaning attitudes. “This kind of thinking is shocking to the social conscience,” she stated.
Warning of a political response, Dr. Bindu stated women wouldn’t stay silent. “Those with such primitive mindsets, and those who defend them, will be taught a lesson by women,” she added.
Published – March 25, 2026 08:28 pm IST
