Minister draws flak over gift distribution

VARANASI: Minister of state for ‘dharmartha karya’ (religious endowments) Vijay Mishra found himself in the middle of a controversy over distribution of women’s cosmetics and lingerie as gifts to males during a Holi function organised in the city on Monday.

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

Ten employees were selected through a lottery for prize distribution in the all-male gathering. However, when these employees opened their gifts they were shocked to find women’s cosmetics and lingerie inside. Puzzled, some of the employees began to throw the items inside the gift pack -- lipstick, ‘bindi’, mascara and lingerie-- at their colleagues. Some of employees present on the occasion also made a video clip of the event. Mishra, who was under attack from the opposition and women activists, claimed that he received an invitation as chief guest to play Holi and was not aware of the items inside the gift pack.

Eastern UP BJP media incharge Sanjay Bhardwaj said, “The act was disrespectful towards women and the state government should immediately seek the minister’s resignation.” Slamming the minister Kashi region coordinator of Beti Bachao campaign Dr Rachna Agarwal said, “Whether the minister was aware of the items inside the gift packs or not is irrelevant. He should apologise before 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.”

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

However, defending it as a regular practice district president of the union and organiser of the event Ambika Dubey said, “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. Members of the employees’ union prepared the gift packs containing lingerie. These packs were given to 10 members of the union who were selected through a lottery.”

Whether the minister was aware of the items inside the gift packs or not is irrelevant. He should apologise before the public for distributing such gifts and hurting women’s sentiments. DR RACHNA AGARWAL, Kashi region coordinator of Beti Bachao campaign