The 92-year-old Congress leader is a five-time MLA for South Davangere and is the party’s oldest MLA.

Bangalore:

Senior Congress MP Shamanur Shivashankarappa recently criticized GM Sideshwara, the BJP nominee for Karnataka’s Davangere assembly seat, sitting MP and former union minister Siddeshwara’s wife Gayathri Siddeshwara’s remarks sparked controversy.

Addressing a meeting of party workers, Shivashankarappa disparaged Ms Sideshwara’s qualifications, claiming she lacked the ability to effectively address public issues.

“It is known that she wants to offer a lotus flower to Modi by winning the election. First, make them aware of the issues of Davangere. We (Congress) have done development work in the area. It is one thing to know how to speak, but they only know Cooking in the kitchen, the Opposition does not have the strength to speak in front of the public,” Mr Shivashankarappa said.

The 92-year-old Congress leader is a five-time MLA for South Davangere and is the party’s oldest MLA. His daughter-in-law Prabha Mallikarjun was selected by the Congress for the seat in the upcoming elections.

Reacting to Mr Shivashankarappa’s comments, Gayathri Siddeshwara highlighted the progress women have made in various professions, including those traditionally dominated by men.

“What he said is that we can only cook and stay in the kitchen. What kind of profession are women nowadays? We even fly in the sky. The old man doesn’t know how much progress women have made. He doesn’t know. “I don’t know that all women are at home for men. , children and the elderly cook with such love,” Ms. Siddeshwara said.

The BJP condemned Shivashankarappa’s remarks and lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India, spokesperson Malavika Avinash said.