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'Will give fitting reply': Sunetra Pawar on Congress' 'gungi gudiya' jibe
India🏛️ PoliticsCenter12 days ago

'Will give fitting reply': Sunetra Pawar on Congress' 'gungi gudiya' jibe

Sunetra Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra and president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), responded to criticism from the Congress party, which referred to her as a 'gungi gudiya' (silent doll) on social media. Pawar stated she would provide a 'fitting reply' at an appropriate time. The remarks sparked a political controversy, with NCP leaders condemning the language as derogatory and disrespectful toward a female leader. Praful Patel, the NCP's working president, emphasized Maharashtra's progressive values and criticized the Congress for using such language despite having prominent female leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Patel demanded the removal of the post and a public apology from the Congress. The situation escalated when NCP workers protested outside the Congress's Gandhi Bhavan office in Mumbai, leading to accusations of incitement by the Congress against the BJP and police. Meanwhile, Sunetra Pawar assumed her roles following the death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash earlier this year.

Supriya Sule, a senior leader within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), recently met with Sunetra Pawar and her son, Parth Pawar, amid growing speculation about internal tensions within the party. According to reports, the meeting took place earlier this week and followed a period of increased unrest surrounding the leadership structure of the NCP. The encounter is believed to have occurred in response to recent developments involving Prashant Kishor, a prominent poll strategist who has played a key role in shaping the party’s electoral strategies. The situation escalated further when Bhausaheb Gore, an NCP office-bearer from Jalna, filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) challenging the reappointment of Sunil Tatkare as the Maharashtra NCP president. The complaint alleges that Tatkare’s re-election was conducted illegally, violating the party’s constitutional procedures. Gore argued that the election process lacked transparency, with no official announcement of the election program, no set dates for nomination filings or withdrawals, and no appointment of a returning officer. These procedural lapses, he claimed, rendered Tatkare’s re-election invalid, particularly given that his term was set to expire in July 2026. This challenge follows a similar legal action initiated by Sachchidanand Singh, another NCP office-bearer, who had previously questioned Sunetra Pawar’s election as the party’s national president. Both cases highlight deepening divisions within the NCP, which has historically served as a key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra and at the national level. The ongoing disputes over leadership appointments have sparked concerns about the stability of the party’s internal hierarchy and its ability to maintain cohesion in the lead-up to crucial elections. Tatkare was re-elected as Maharashtra NCP president on February 26, alongside Sunetra Pawar, who was elected as the party’s national president, and Praful Patel, who became the national working president. However, some members of the party have raised questions about the legitimacy of these elections. A leader close to Tatkare defended the process, stating that the election was held under exceptional circumstances following the sudden death of former NCP president Ajit Pawar. This explanation, while acknowledging the unusual context, did little to quell the controversy surrounding the proceedings. The dispute has also reignited discussions about Tatkare’s influence within the party. Earlier this year, several NCP leaders, including Rupali Thombre-Patil, had called for Tatkare’s resignation as state president, citing reports that Prashant Kishor had recommended replacing him with a different candidate. These allegations suggest that Tatkare’s position may have been politically motivated, raising doubts about his continued relevance in the party’s future direction. In addition to these leadership controversies, Sunetra Pawar has implemented a number of organizational reforms since assuming the role of national president. One of the most controversial changes involved removing Praful Patel’s designation as national working president and Sunil Tatkare’s designation as Maharashtra state president from the national Working Committee. While Pawar later admitted that these omissions were unintentional, she failed to correct them, leading to further confusion and dissatisfaction among party members. As the NCP continues to grapple with internal strife, the outcomes of the ECI’s review of both complaints will likely shape the party’s trajectory in the coming months. With the upcoming elections looming, the resolution of these leadership disputes could significantly impact the party’s performance and its relationship with the BJP. For now, the focus remains on the legal and political ramifications of these developments, as the NCP navigates a complex landscape of competing interests and unresolved grievances.

Go to the primary sources (2)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

10 reports

Scroll.in logoScroll.inIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9018 days ago
Sharad Pawar’s NCP removes all spokespersons

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar, has removed all its spokespersons from their positions following an organizational restructuring. Until new appointees are named, party leaders Vidya Chavan and Mahesh Tapase will act as interim spokespersons. This decision was announced via a social media post and coincides with a statewide review of the party's operations led by Shashikant Shinde, the Maharashtra unit chief. During this review, Shinde also appointed new heads for various party wings, including Sushil Borde as president of the student wing and Ram Rathod as head of the teachers' cell. The move comes amid ongoing speculation about potential mergers or alliances, particularly with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. Earlier reports suggested discussions between the Congress and the NCP(SP) regarding a possible merger, while internal divisions within the NCP persist since 2023 when Ajit Pawar and other leaders joined the Mahayuti coalition.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual developments within the NCP without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It reports on organizational changes, leadership appointments, and speculative merger discussions without taking sides or using emotionally charged language. While the topic involves a政

Why factuality (95): The article precisely captures the NCP's decision to remove all spokespersons and appoint new ones, aligning closely with the primary source document. It mentions Shashikant Shinde's role and the organizational changes, matching the primary source's content.

Why objectivity (90): The article is neutral in tone, presenting facts without editorializing. It provides a straightforward account of the events without taking sides or using emotionally charged language.

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9018 days ago
Sharad Pawar's NCP removes all spokespersons but two

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar, has removed all current spokesperson roles and appointed former MLA Vidya Chavan and Mahesh Tapase as the sole authorized spokespersons. This decision was made with the approval of Maharashtra unit president Shashikant Shinde and took effect immediately on August 4, 2026. The move follows internal political tensions and strategic disagreements within the party. Former spokesperson Vikas Lawande accepted the decision, expressing commitment to the party’s values while acknowledging the change. The development coincided with a public exchange between the Congress and the NCP over Sunetra Pawar’s nickname 'Gungi Gudiya,' highlighting ongoing political friction.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the event objectively, detailing the party's decision, the individuals involved, and the context of internal politics without overtly favoring any side. While the political conflict between parties is mentioned, the framing remains neutral, focusing on factual reporting rather

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reflects the NCP's decision to dissolve all spokesperson appointments and designate new ones, consistent with the primary source. It includes quotes from former spokespersons and details about the organizational changes, aligning with the primary source.

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a balanced and neutral tone throughout, presenting the information objectively without bias or emotional language.

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 8514 days ago
"Internal Matter": Supriya Sule On Sunetra Pawar-Prashant Kishor Meet Amid Rift Buzz

Supriya Sule, a prominent Indian politician, referred to discussions between Prashant Kishor and Nationalist Congress Party leader Sunetra Pawar and her son, MP Parth Pawar, as an 'internal matter.' This comment came amid speculation about potential rifts within the party. The meeting between Kishor and the Pawars has raised questions about internal dynamics and possible factional shifts within the Nationalist Congress Party.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral account of the meeting and quotes Supriya Sule's characterization of the situation as an 'internal matter,' without overtly favoring any side or using biased language. It does not provide additional context or commentary that would indicate a clear ideological leaning.

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports on the meeting between Prashant Kishor and Sunetra Pawar, aligning with the primary source document's mention of the NCP's internal dynamics. However, it doesn't address the main event of the NCP removing spokespersons, which is covered in other articles.

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, focusing on the meeting and potential rift without overt bias. It avoids strong language or explicit favoritism toward either party.

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7019 days ago
'Will give fitting reply': Sunetra Pawar on Congress' 'gungi gudiya' jibe

Sunetra Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra and president of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), responded to criticism from the Congress party, which referred to her as a 'gungi gudiya' (silent doll) on social media. Pawar stated she would provide a 'fitting reply' at an appropriate time. The remarks sparked a political controversy, with NCP leaders condemning the language as derogatory and disrespectful toward a female leader. Praful Patel, the NCP's working president, emphasized Maharashtra's progressive values and criticized the Congress for using such language despite having prominent female leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Patel demanded the removal of the post and a public apology from the Congress. The situation escalated when NCP workers protested outside the Congress's Gandhi Bhavan office in Mumbai, leading to accusations of incitement by the Congress against the BJP and police. Meanwhile, Sunetra Pawar assumed her roles following the death of her husband, Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash earlier this year.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides of the dispute without overtly favoring one party. It includes quotes from Sunetra Pawar, NCP leaders, and the Maharashtra Congress president, providing a balanced view of the controversy. There is no evident editorializing or biased language that leans strongly in a

Why factuality (90): The article accurately describes Sunetra Pawar's response to the 'gungi gudiya' jab and the subsequent reactions from NCP leaders. It references the historical comparison to Indira Gandhi, which is supported by the primary source. However, it lacks specific details about the spokesperson changes.

Why objectivity (70): The article shows a clear leaning towards supporting the NCP's stance, emphasizing the disrespect shown to a female leader and quoting NCP leaders extensively. It presents the Congress's defense briefly but focuses more on the NCP's perspective.

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8018 days ago
Political discourse still fails women leaders

In Maharashtra, political tensions escalated after the opposition Congress party referred to Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar of the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as 'Goongi Gudiya' ('dumb doll'), prompting protests from the NCP. The term was criticized as misogynistic and patronizing, echoing past controversies involving Indira Gandhi. The incident arose from a press conference where Sunetra Pawar spoke about fulfilling her late husband's legacy, during which NCP leader Dhananjay Munde intervened with journalists. The Congress later posted a clip of the event, challenging Sunetra Pawar to prove she wasn't 'dumb'. While some Congress leaders acknowledged the remark was inappropriate, others argued it highlighted broader issues in political discourse, noting that leaders from the ruling party have used harsher language against opponents. As of now, the Congress has not apologized or removed the comment.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives, criticism of the Congress party's remarks and acknowledgment of the broader degradation of political discourse. It does not favor one side over the other and highlights the controversy without overtly endorsing either viewpoint.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes the incident involving Sunetra Pawar and the Congress's derogatory remark. It references the primary source's details about the NCP's internal dynamics and the political fallout. However, it lacks specific details about the removal of spokespersons, which is central

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the incident with a clear critique of the misogynistic language used, showing a slight leaning towards the NCP's perspective. It remains mostly objective but highlights the gender-based criticism more prominently.

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 8019 days ago
NCP asks Sharad Pawar to seek Congress apology or quit INDIA Bloc over ‘gungi gudiya’ remark

The Indian National Congress faced backlash after referring to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar as 'gungi gudiya' (dumb doll) in a social media post. This comment, which evoked past mockery of Indira Gandhi, led to demands for an apology from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), including from NCP leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Senior NCP cabinet ministers and party workers protested, with some storming the Congress office in Mumbai. The incident followed a viral video showing Sunetra Pawar walking out of a press conference after a journalist's question was cut short. The State Congress defended the post, accusing NCP workers of thuggery and challenging Sunetra Pawar to prove she is 'Durga' by taking specific administrative actions. The controversy also involved Sharad Pawar, Sunetra Pawar's uncle and NCP (SP) chief, who was urged to demand an apology from Congress or leave the INDIA bloc.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the controversy as a case of sexist and insulting remarks by the Congress, emphasizing the historical context of mocking Indira Gandhi and linking it to current accusations against Sunetra Pawar. While the article presents both sides (Congress defending their post and NCP reacting

Why factuality (85): The article accurately covers the controversy surrounding the Congress's remark about Sunetra Pawar and the NCP's response. It references the primary source's details about the incident and the political fallout. However, it lacks specific details about the removal of spokespersons, which is central

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the incident with a clear critique of the misogynistic language used, showing a slight leaning towards the NCP's perspective. It remains mostly objective but highlights the gender-based criticism more prominently.

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 8019 days ago
‘Forgot Indira Gandhi?’: NCP retorts as Cong calls Sunetra Pawar ‘gungi gudiya’

A political controversy erupted in Maharashtra after the Congress party posted a video on social media where NCP leader Dhananjay Munde interrupted a journalist questioning Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar about law and order issues. The Congress referred to Pawar as 'gungi gudiya' (mute doll), a term historically associated with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) strongly condemned the remark, accusing the Congress of forgetting its own history and indirectly validating past criticisms of Indira Gandhi. NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil criticized the use of demeaning language toward women and highlighted Indira Gandhi's leadership achievements. Other leaders like Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis also expressed disapproval of the remarks, emphasizing respect for female politicians. Dhananjay Munde defended Pawar, suggesting the Congress was unsettled by her rising influence.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the Congress's remarks as inappropriate and disrespectful, particularly highlighting the historical association of 'gungi gudiya' with Indira Gandhi. While the NCP and other leaders criticize the Congress, the tone suggests a right-leaning perspective by emphasizing the importance

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes the controversy involving the Congress's remark about Sunetra Pawar and the subsequent reactions. It references the primary source's details about the incident and the political fallout. However, it lacks specific details about the removal of spokespersons, which is

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the incident with a clear critique of the misogynistic language used, showing a slight leaning towards the NCP's perspective. It remains mostly objective but highlights the gender-based criticism more prominently.

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8019 days ago
Congress leader calls Sunetra Pawar 'gungi gudiya', regrets making remark after row

A political controversy erupted in Maharashtra after the Congress party referred to Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar as a 'gungi gudiya' (mute doll), leading to protests by workers of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The remark, made during a press conference by Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal, sparked outrage among NCP members who stormed the Congress office in Mumbai. The Congress later called the statement a result of 'miscommunication' and expressed regret, clarifying that it was not a personal attack but a critique of Pawar's public behavior. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly criticized the remark, calling it an insult to women and demanding an apology.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the controversy and the responses from multiple parties involved, including the Congress party's explanation and the criticisms from NCP leaders. There is no clear bias toward one side; the framing remains neutral, focusing on the sequence of events and statements from all涉

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes the disruption caused by NCP workers at the Congress office and the context of the controversy. It references the primary source's details about the incident and the political fallout. However, it lacks specific details about the removal of spokespersons, which is ce

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the incident with a clear critique of the actions taken by NCP workers, showing a slight leaning towards the Congress's perspective. It remains mostly objective but highlights the disruptive behavior more prominently.

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 8019 days ago
Watch: NCP workers barge into Maha Cong office over 'gungi gudiya' jab at dy CM

NCP workers disrupted a press conference of Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal in Mumbai, following a verbal attack on NCP leader Sunetra Pawar by the Congress party. The Congress had used the term 'gungi gudiya' (mute doll) to describe Pawar, who is the guardian minister of Beed district, where a murder case involving an aide of NCP leader Dhananjay Munde is under investigation. The NCP responded by drawing a parallel to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was similarly labeled by Congress leaders, questioning whether the Congress is now endorsing past criticisms of Indira Gandhi. The incident highlights tensions between the two parties over rhetoric and accountability.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the Congress party's use of derogatory terms against Sunetra Pawar as sexist and inappropriate, while the NCP challenges the Congress by referencing historical parallels. The emphasis on the Congress's alleged sexism and the comparison to Indira Gandhi suggests a left-leaning slan

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes Sunetra Pawar's response to the Congress's remark and the broader political context. It references the primary source's details about the incident and the political fallout. However, it lacks specific details about the removal of spokespersons, which is central to th

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the incident with a clear critique of the misogynistic language used, showing a slight leaning towards the NCP's perspective. It remains mostly objective but highlights the gender-based criticism more prominently.

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 50Objective 4012 days ago
‘Sunil Tatkare’s election illegal’: Complaint challenges Maha NCP chief's reappointment

A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission of India (ECI) by Bhausaheb Gore, an NCP office-bearer from Jalna, challenging the legality of Sunil Tatkare's reappointment as Maharashtra NCP president. Gore claims the re-election violated the party's constitution, citing procedural irregularities such as lack of announcement of the election program, failure to set nomination deadlines, and absence of a returning officer. This follows similar complaints against the election of Sunetra Pawar as national president. The situation highlights growing internal conflicts within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is an ally of the BJP in Maharashtra and at the federal level. Tatkare's re-election occurred in February 2023, alongside Sunetra Pawar and Praful Patel. A supporter of Tatkare denied any constitutional violations, noting the election took place amid unusual circumstances following the death of former NCP president Ajit Pawar.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides of the dispute: the complaint against Tatkare's re-election and the counterclaim from his supporters. It does not favor one side over the other, providing quotes from both parties involved. There is no evident bias in the language or framing of the report.

Why factuality (50): This article discusses a different event entirely, the reappointment of Sunil Tatkare as Maharashtra NCP president and subsequent legal challenge, which is unrelated to the organisational changes in NCP-SP described in the primary source document. The factual content does not align with the primary

Why objectivity (40): The article presents the situation as a legal dispute and potential infighting, using terms like 'illegal', 'violation', and 'intensifying infighting'. This framing suggests bias towards one perspective and lacks neutrality in presenting the facts.

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