GS-2Editorials05 August 2026thehindu.com

Political discourse still fails women leaders

The article discusses the recent controversy in Maharashtra politics where the Congress party referred to NCP leader Sunetra Pawar as 'Goongi Gudiya' (dumb doll), sparking protests from the NCP. It highlights the broader issue of misogynistic and patronizing behavior towards women leaders across political parties in India, citing past incidents involving BJP and Shiv Sena-UBT leaders. The article also references an Amnesty International India study, 'Troll Patrol India,' which found that female politicians in India face significantly higher levels of online harassment compared to their counterparts in the UK or US. The piece criticizes the lack of gender sensitivity and the deteriorating quality of political discourse in the country.

The article discusses the recent controversy in Maharashtra politics where the Congress party referred to NCP leader Sunetra Pawar as 'Goongi Gudiya' (dumb doll), sparking protests from the NCP. It highlights the broader issue of misogynistic and patronizing behavior towards women leaders across political parties in India, citing past incidents involving BJP and Shiv Sena-UBT leaders. The article also references an Amnesty International India study, 'Troll Patrol India,' which found that female politicians in India face significantly higher levels of online harassment compared to their counterparts in the UK or US. The piece criticizes the lack of gender sensitivity and the deteriorating quality of political discourse in the country.

Exam linkage

GS Paper 2: Social Justice (issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to women; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.)

Syllabus mapping

Social Justice & DevelopmentWelfare Schemes & Social PoliciesIndian Culture Art ArchitectureModern Indian HistoryIndian Society DiversityWomen Population UrbanizationGlobalization Indian Society

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Questions on Social Justice & Development come up regularly in GS papers. Practice writing an answer — and see exactly what earns marks.

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