None
EN
From Udhayanidhi to the BJP, the same old sexist playbook rules politics across party lines
['Pooja Pillai', 'Pooja Pillai Is A Deputy Associate Editor At The Indian Express', 'Working With The National Editorial...', 'Read More', 'Var Template_Content', 'Sso_Login_Box', 'Xwelcome Backorenter The Email Address Or Mobile Number Associated With Your Account To Sign In. Show Passwordsign Innew To The Indian Express Signupxcreate Your Account It Is Quick', 'Easy.Or Show Passwordnextvalidate Otpregisteralready Have An Account', 'Signin', 'Sso_Social_Box']
The Indian Express
Women become symbols to be invoked, demeaned or weaponised, their identities reduced to instruments through which political rivals seek to diminish one another.
From the BJP to Congress to all the various regional outfits, every political formation now professes a commitment to women’s empowerment.
When an opponent uses such language, however, parties suddenly rediscover the language of women’s dignity.
During the recent Cockroach Janta Party-led protests in Delhi, women did not occupy the margins of the movement.
Instead of treating misogyny as the cost of speaking up, fellow protesters made it part of the political argument.