At a media interaction in Chennai on Friday, Tamil Nadu BJP state president Nainar Nagendran was asked about criticism from actor-turned-politician Vijay and his fledgling party ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Instead of responding directly to the political question, Nagendran made a personal remark involving actress Trisha Krishnan, drawing sharp reactions.
The comment quickly sparked criticism and renewed concerns about how women are referenced in public and political discourse.
The remark was quickly condemned by DMK MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian, who stated that it is not acceptable for a political leader, especially from a national party, to speak disrespectfully about a woman in public. She added that civilised politics requires dignity and respect in discourse about women.
Social media users, activists, and political commentators across party lines also criticised the remarks, arguing that such statements divert attention from substantive political discussion and risk normalising gendered commentary in public life.
This episode is not isolated. Over the years, several BJP leaders have faced backlash for remarks widely perceived as derogatory toward women.
n 2016, then Uttar Pradesh BJP vice-president Dayashankar Singh sparked national outrage when he compared BSP chief Mayawati to a prostitute while criticising her party’s ticket distribution. He reportedly said that “even a prostitute does not sell her wares so many times,” implying that Mayawati had repeatedly “sold” party tickets. The remark led to widespread protests and his removal from party posts at the time.
Senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar courted controversy in 2017 over his comment on Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. He said, “There are several prettier ladies than Priyanka Gandhi who are star campaigners. There are many heroines and artists who are campaigners; they are more beautiful than her.” The comment drew criticism for focusing on appearance rather than political credentials. Responding to the remarks, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “He exposes the BJP’s mindset towards the better half of the population of India.”
In March 2024, senior BJP MP Dilip Ghosh sparked controversy with a remark about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In a video circulated by the Trinamool Congress, Ghosh was heard saying, “When Didi goes to Goa, she calls herself the daughter of Goa. When she goes to Tripura, she says she is the daughter of Tripura. She should first identify her own father.” The Trinamool Congress described the comment as derogatory and filed a complaint with the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer, alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
In separate instances over the years, BJP leaders at both state and national levels have faced criticism for remarks perceived as personal or derogatory toward women political leaders and public figures.
These incidents have repeatedly drawn attention to the tone adopted by certain BJP leaders when referring to women in public life. In multiple cases, political disagreements have shifted from policy-based criticism to personal comments involving gender, appearance, or character.
