Controversy over chief minister’s remarks

Women activists and politicians have criticised Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for her insensitive comments on the murder of Soumya Vishwanathan.

Women activists and politicians have criticised Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for her insensitive comments on the murder of Soumya Vishwanathan.

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Dikshit had said: “Driving all by herself in a city (pause) that people believe is... I mean one should not be adventurous, but I am really really sorry for her family.”

Women activists feel with such comments, Dikshit is trivialising the issue.

“It is very unfortunate that instead of finding out how this happened and looking at ways to strengthen the city’s security set-up, the girl is being blamed for driving home late after work. We demand the CM withdraw her comment immediately,” said Sudha Sundararaman, general secretary, All India Democratic Women Association.

“Women these days form a sizeable number in industries like IT and the media. In such a scenario, it is necessary for both the city government and employers to provide security women working in their organisations,” she added.

Ranjana Kumari, president, Women Power Connect, a national coalition of women organisations, was equally critical of the “unwarranted comment” by a woman chief minister.

“It is shocking to hear such a statement from the person who has a women-friendly image. The murder in the late hours speaks volumes of the safety concerns of women. Coming home after working late is not adventurous. It is a compulsion. The CM cannot absolve herself from the responsibility of providing safety and security,” she said.

Political parties were also not too far behind in lambasting the Delhi CM for her unwarranted remarks.

“It not only proves her insensitivity towards the security of the people but it is also an insult to the sizeable number of working women in the city. The CM is a woman herself and one expected her to be a bit more sober in commenting on the killing of a young woman,” said Harshvardhan, Delhi BJP state unit president.