Recently, Tripura’s Chief Minister, Biplab Kumar Deb claimed that internet existed in the Mahabharata era. What followed was, yep, you guessed it right, a lot of negative backlash for it but that hasn’t stopped him from causing a stir once again. The CM said that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan represents Indian women in the true sense.
He made a racist comment about Diana Hayden winning the Miss World pageant in 1997 saying:
We see women as goddess Laxmi, Saraswati. Aishwarya Rai represents the Indian women. I do not understand the beauty of Diana Hayden.
Talking about the beauty pageant process he said:
Koi bhi aata hai to mil jata hai. Diana Hayden ko bhi mil jata hai.
His comments also inclued:
Indian women did not use cosmetics in the old times. Indians did not use shampoo, they washed their hair with methi water and bathed with mud. These beauty pageant organisers are international marketing mafia, who spotted a huge market in the country. Today, there is a beauty parlour in every corner of the country.
State Congress vice president, Basana Debnath commented on the debacle saying:
Diana Hayden is an Indian woman and I think our Chief Minister’s comment has no value. It is uncalled for and does not suit a politician. In our country, a three-year girl is raped, but there is hardly any voice against it. I ask, why would people like Asaram and Ram Rahim not be hanged? Nobody is vocal about this. I want a comment from our Chief Minister.
The online janta made it’s discontent with the CM’s statement pretty clear, evoking another explanation from him at a media event:
I was talking about how the hand looms of the state could be marketed well. If anybody is hurt or feeling defamed, I regret this… I respect all women as my mother.Sigh! Deep. Disappointing sigh.
Here’s what Diana responded to his comments with:
That’s some strong disapproval of me winning the Miss World title. With regards to me winning the Miss World, it’s a pity and shame, that when you win the biggest and most respected beauty pageant in the world, you get criticised and put down as opposed to being appreciated and respected for bringing more accolades back home and further appreciation of our Indian brown exotic beauty.
The former Miss World also said:
With regards to me winning the Miss World, it’s a pity and shame, that when you win the biggest and most respected beauty pageant in the world, you get criticised and put down as opposed to being appreciated and respected for bringing more accolades back home and further appreciation of our Indian brown exotic beauty.
Being brown skinned, I’ve had to fight the ‘light skin is better’ issue we have in India. I felt so strongly about it that I turned down a fairness cream ad because it went against my belief.
Condemning Deb’s remarks she countered:
Shame on him as our beautiful, exotic brown colouring is to be proud of. I sure am!From one brown girl to another, so proud of my skin and you, Diana!