Shiv Sena MLA claims that Priyanka Chaturvedi was sent to Rajya Sabha only for her beauty

Sanjay Shirsat, MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) in the state of Maharashtra from the Aurangabad West constituency, and currently loyal to the Eknath Shinde-led Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena responded to Priyanka Chaturvedi’s claim that the rebel faction consists of traitors. 

He claimed that Priyanka Chaturvedi was chosen by Aditya Thackery, president of Yuva Sena, the youth wing of the Shiv Sena, to represent the party in the parliament only for her good looks. Priyanka Chaturvedi is a member of parliament in the Rajya Sabha. 

This statement has been met by sharp criticism not just from Priyanka Chaturvedi and Aditya Thackery but also from people across the board on social media, for the casual misogyny it espoused. 

What a shameful, sleazy comment that is demeaning for all women. Doesn’t matter how vocal @priyankac19 is or how eloquently she represents her party’s position on TV debates and in parliament, insecure men will always dismiss her abilities and focus on how she looks. Perhaps it… https://t.co/S0Wr9dHeXi

— Rohini Singh (@rohini_sgh) July 31, 2023

Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed her disappointment on Twitter.“I don't need a traitor to tell me what I look like and why I'm where I am, Sanjay Shirsat is a perfect example of the widespread sickness in politics with respect to women’s participation, he definitely displays his own vulgar character through his comments, no wonder the BJP has kept him with them,” she said. 

Aditya Thackeray commented that Shirsat has a corrupted mind and is showcasing his worth. "I don't know how people with such a rotten mindset have survived in politics," he said, as quoted by The Press Trust of India