West Bengal Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya responded sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks on sindoor and the BJP’s campaign promising to deliver sindoor to every home. She accused the BJP of attempting to create religious and social divisions in the country through this initiative. Bhattacharya questioned which homes would receive sindoor under this campaign and suggested that it may signal an intent to deepen societal divides.
Bhattacharya emphasized that sindoor is not a mandatory tradition for women of all religions in India. She stated, “Women who do not wear sindoor also understand its emotional significance and respect it.” According to her, every religion has its own customs and beliefs, and not wearing sindoor does not mean disrespect towards it. Her comments highlighted the cultural diversity present in India regarding religious and social practices.
Warning the BJP against politicizing sindoor, Bhattacharya said, “If BJP wants to play politics in the name of sindoor, then they will have to pay the price for it. Women’s votes will not be won this way.” She cautioned that attempts to appeal to women voters through religious symbolism may have political consequences for the BJP, indicating potential resistance from women voters if their sentiments are exploited.