UP minister draws flak for distributing cosmetics, lingerie at Holi function

Uttar Pradesh’s minister of state for religious affairs Vijay Kumar Mishra has found himself in the middle of a controversy for distributing women’s cosmetics and lingerie as gifts to men during a Holi function organised.

Uttar Pradesh’s minister of state for religious affairs Vijay Kumar Mishra has found himself in the middle of a controversy for distributing women’s cosmetics and lingerie as gifts to men during a Holi function organised.

Ten employees were selected through a lottery for prize distribution in the all-male gathering. However, when they employees opened their gifts they were shocked to find women’s cosmetics and lingerie inside. (HT/File photo for representation)

The incident took place in Ghazipur where Rajya Sanyukt Karmachari Parishad, a government employees’ union, organised an event to celebrate Holi and invited Mishra as the chief guest on the occasion on Monday.

Ten employees were selected through a lottery for prize distribution in the all-male gathering. However, when they employees opened their gifts they were shocked to find women’s cosmetics and lingerie inside.

Puzzled, some of them began to throw the items inside the gift pack - lipstick, ‘bindi’, mascara and lingerie - at their colleagues. Some of the employees present on the occasion have made a video clip of the event.

Mishra, under attack from the opposition and women’s rights activists, claimed he received an invitation as the chief guest to play Holi and was not aware of the items inside the gift pack.

Beti Bachao campaign’s coordinator for Kashi region Rachna Agarwal slammed Mishra saying he insulted women and should apologise.

“Whether the minister was aware of the items inside the gift packs or not is irrelevant. He should apologise to the public for distributing such gifts and hurting women’s sentiments. Being a minister he should have checked the gifts before distributing. Action should be taken against all those involved in arranging the gifts,” Agarwal said.

“People should abstain from this kind of celebration. Holi is a pious festival and cheap practices like these are an insult to women,” she added.

District president of the employees’ union and organiser of the event, Ambika Dubey, defended it as a regular event.

“The practice of distributing such gifts is being followed since 2013. The event should not be taken seriously. It was done to add humour to the festive atmosphere and no female was present on the occasion,” Dubey said.