Karnataka Minister admires ‘beauty’ of BJP delegates, ignores state hostels
- Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya complimented the looks of members of a BJP delegation.
- The delegation submitted a report on the poor state of government-run hostels.
- The delegates said many hostels have no security measures.
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After Home Minister G Parameshwara’s shocking statement following the mass molestation incidents in Bengaluru, another Karnataka minister is in the news for misogyny. Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya allegedly compared the beauty of members of a delegation of the BJP Mahila Morcha that had gone to present him a report on the poor condition of girls’ hostels in the state.
The Mahila Morcha delegation, which met the minister on January 6, included Bharti Shetty, state president of the morcha, actress and MLC Tara and Sujatha Patil. When the delegation submitted the report, Anjaneya reportedly remarked that Shetty was more beautiful than Tara. When Shetty replied that she was not an actress, the minister insisted that Shetty looked “more attractive” if she were made to stand with Tara. Tara reportedly stood by smiling politely and agreed that Shetty was the “real beauty.”
Following the comments, the delegation criticised the minister, claiming he had no concern about issues in his own department. The BJP’s Suresh Kumar, who is MLA for Rajaji Nagar, questioned “Is the Social Welfare Minister planning to participate as a judge in ‘Miss World’ or ‘Miss Universe’ contests?”
Ignoring the criticism, the minister assured the delegation that the grievances listed in the report would be addressed by the next academic year.
This isn’t the first time that Anjaneya has shot his mouth off. In May 2016, the minister compared private schools to prostitution centres for their constant fee hikes.
Read also: Karnataka minister compares private schools to prostitution centres
The minister’s statement and the ensuing political wrangling have taken the focus off the poor condition of the 1,342 government hostels for girls in the state. The BJP delegation surveyed 474 hostels in 36 days and spoke with 63,578 girl students. The delegation found that:
- Food grain provided to the hostels is often not fit for consumption.
- There are no computer connections in 530 hostels, no TV connections in 421 hostels and no drinking water facilities in 175 hostels.
- Three hundred and fifty-two hostels lack proper toilets.
- Three hundred and seventeen hostels have no hot water facility.
- In 28% of the hostels, 30 girls are staying in an accommodation that is sufficient for 5 girls.
- Many hostels have no wardens, CCTVs and security guards.
