Mr Rawat said he was shocked to see a woman running an NGO in ripped jeans, and was concerned about the example she was setting for society.
Not too long after he was appointed as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Tirath Singh Rawat has landed himself in controversy because of his comments over ‘ripped jeans’. The BJP leader said he feels that such clothes cannot provide the right environment at home for children.
Speaking at a workshop organised by the Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights in Dehradun on Tuesday, Mr Rawat said he was shocked to see a woman running an NGO in ripped jeans, and was concerned about the example she was setting for society.
“If this kind of woman goes out in the society to meet people and solve their problems, what kind of message are we giving out to society, to our kids? It all starts at home. What we do, our kids follow. A child who is taught the right culture at home, no matter how modern he becomes, will never fail in life,” the newly appointed Chief Minister said.
Expressing his distaste for “bare knees” being exposed by children, he bemoaned the fact that while the west followed India’s yoga and covering their body, “we run towards nudity.”
“Kaynchi se sanskaar (culture by scissors) – showing bare knees, wearing ripped denim and looking like rich kids – these are the values being given now. Where is this coming from, if not at home? What is the fault of teachers or schools? Where am I taking my son, showing his knees and in tattered jeans? Girls are no less, showing their knees. Is this good,” Mr Rawat asked.
Ganesh Joshi, one of his new ministers, doubled down on the insensitive comments by adding that women should prioritise raising good children: “Women talk about all things they want to do in life, but the most important thing for them is to look after their family and children,” he said.
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