Especially hurt by derogatory comments about 'Chhoti Kashi' Mandi, says Kangana Ranaut

With Congress leaders' comments on Kangana Ranaut snowballing into a political row, the actress-turned-politician said every woman, irrespective of her background and profession, deserves dignity.

Ranaut, who makes her political debut as a BJP candidate from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, said she was particularly pained by the derogatory comments on the constituency that is often referred to as "Chhoti Kashi".

The Congress has been in the crosshairs after demeaning remarks on Ranaut and Mandi were posted on the social media handles of its leaders Supriya Shrinate and H S Ahir.


However, Shrinate made it clear that many people have access to her Facebook and Instagram accounts and one of them made the inappropriate post.

Amid this political row, Congress leader and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu called Kangana "daughter" of the state and said her father was made the General Secretary of Congress in Mandi.

Congress also said there is no place for such language in public discourse with party leader Sandeep Dikshit saying the matter should end with Shrinate clearing the air.

BJP leaders, including Bansuri Swaraj, Amit Malviya and former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, spoke up against the remaks on Ranaut.

Bansuri Swaraj, daughter of the late Sushma Swaraj and the party's candidate from New Delhi, said the top leadership of the Congress must apologise. Thakur added the remarks would be legally examined.

BJP MP and fellow actor Hema Malini described Ranaut as a bold and outspoken woman who is "perfect for politics".

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has written to the Election Commission demanding strict action against Shrinate and Ahir.

Trinamool moves EC against BJP's Ghosh for remarks against Banerjee

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has moved the Election Commission of India against BJP leader Dilip Ghosh for his controversial remarks against party chief Mamata Banerjee.

While addressing reporters in Durgapur, BJP MP Dilip Ghosh said that wherever Banerjee goes, she calls herself the daughter of that state, and "she must identify her own father".

"When Didi goes to Goa, she calls herself the daughter of Goa. When she goes to Tripura, she says that she is the daughter of Tripura. She should first identify her own father...", Ghosh said.