On Monday, Ajay Rai, a leader in the Uttar Pradesh Congress, used sexist words for Union minister Smriti Irani by saying that she visits her home city of Amethi solely to perform "latke-jhatke" (an obscene reference to dance moves). Rai’s insulting remarks provoked a sharp response from the BJP.?

UP BJP spokesperson Anand Dubey said that such a remark from a leader of the party which gave a woman Prime Minister to the nation, is definitely "shameful".?

Anand Dubey went on alleging that the language used by the Congress leaders has always been "anti-women".

Rai was talking to reporters in Sonbhadra and in reply to a question on the chances of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the 2024 General Elections, he said, "Amethi is certainly the Gandhi family's seat and will remain so. Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and many members of the Gandhi family have served in the place."

Talking about Irani, Rai said, "She only visits the constituency and 'latke-jhatke dekar chali jaati haim (She does 'latke jhatke' and goes away).

While launching a scathing attack on Rai and his sexist remarks, Anand Dubey said, ?“It shows the culture and mindset of the Congress. And a party, which has given a woman prime minister to the nation, and which was headed by a woman president for a long time, such statements from its leader, is definitely shameful."?

Priya Sethi, former Jammu & Kashmir minister also criticised the Congress leader's remark and claimed that the party is "feeling insecure” because of Smriti Irani.?

Shehzad Poonawala, BJP spokesperson took to Twitter, criticizing congress leader Rai. "Rahul Gandhi loyalist Ajay Rai makes shocking “latke jhatke” comment on Smriti Irani ji. This is not a Sanyog - it is a prayog sponsored by first family to take political revenge because Smriti ji defeated the dynast - Congress even insulted 1st Woman Adivasi President,"

Poonawala tweeted.

Smriti Irani had defeated Rahul Gandhi from Amethi in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

(with Inputs from PTI)