Right-wing activist Bhide refuses to talk to female journalist as she wasn't wearing 'bindi'
Mumbai, Nov 2: Right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide on Wednesday courted controversy after he refused to speak to a female television news reporter as she had not put a 'bindi' on her forehead.
The incident, caught on camera, took place after he met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at Mantralaya (state secretariat) in south Mumbai, and promoted the state women's commission to issue him a notice.
In a video, Bhide was heard telling the female reporter, who sought sound byte from him about his meeting with Shinde, that she should apply a 'bindi' (a decorative dot worn in the middle of the forehead by women) before coming to take his byte, and declined to speak to her.
He also told the journalist that a woman is akin to Bharat Mata and that she should not appear like a "widow" by not sporting a 'bindi.
Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar issued a notice to the right-wing leader seeking an explanation for his remarks.
In 2018, Bhide had come under fire for his comments that couples were blessed with sons after eating mangoes from his orchard.
#NoBindiNoBusiness movement started by @ShefVaidya is getting bigger. Popular activist from Maharashtra, Sambhaji Bhide asks woman journalist to wear a Bindi before she asks her question... pic.twitter.com/wtJwCged5M
— Priti Gandhi - प्रीति गांधी (@MrsGandhi) November 2, 2022
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Monkey hugs Shashi Tharoor, dozes off on his lap in heartwarming encounter
New Delhi, Dec 4: Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday shared an "extraordinary experience" at his home when a monkey ran towards him, hugged him and after being treated to a couple of bananas, rested his head on the Congress MP's chest and dozed off.
Tharoor put out pictures from this unusual encounter on X and went on to narrate the incident that left many users of the platform amused.
"Had an extraordinary experience today. While I was sitting in the garden, reading my morning newspapers, a monkey wandered in, headed straight for me and parked himself on my lap. He hungrily ate a couple of bananas we offered him, hugged me and proceeded to rest his head on my chest and dozed off," the Congress leader said on X.
"I gently began to get up, he leapt off and loped away," Tharoor added.
He said reverence for wildlife is ingrained in him and though he was a bit concerned about the risk of a monkey-bite which would have necessitated rabies shots, he stayed calm and welcomed his presence as non-threatening.
"I am gratified that my faith was borne out and our encounter was entirely peaceful and gentle," Tharoor said.
In the photographs shared by Tharoor, the monkey could be seen nestled in his lap, being fed bananas and then dozing off.
Tharoor is seen calmly reading the newspaper as the monkey rests on his lap.
Reacting to the post, one X user said, "Probably you got the blessings of Hanumaan ji. I zoomed all the pictures to find out which newspaper the bestest Member of Parliament was reading."
Another person wrote, "What a beautiful encounter with nature! Moments like these remind us of the deep, unspoken connection we share with other beings. That monkey’s trust in you speaks volumes about your aura of kindness. Truly, experiences like these make us pause and appreciate the simplicity and warmth of life beyond words."
Reverence for wildlife is ingrained in us, so though i was a bit concerned about the risk of a monkey-bite (which would have necessitated rabies shots), I stayed calm and welcomed his presence as non-threatening. I am gratified that my faith was borne out and our encounter was… pic.twitter.com/thT1ep0Cc9
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 4, 2024
