Telangana Leader K Kavitha Criticizes Union Minister Smriti Irani's Remarks On Menstruation

On Friday, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha expressed strong criticism of Union Minister Smriti Irani's recent remark dismissing menstruation as not a "handicap." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kavitha conveyed her disappointment, describing Irani's comments as "appalling" and emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding of the challenges women face.

Kavitha denounced Irani's dismissal of menstrual struggles during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha, asserting that menstruation is not a choice but a "biological reality." She highlighted the genuine pain experienced by countless women and criticized the denial of paid leave during menstruation days. The Telangana MLC called for bridging the gap between policy-making and reality with empathy and reason.

Irani, the Union Women and Child Development Minister, had earlier stated that menstruation should not be considered a handicap and argued against the need for a specific policy for paid leave. Responding to a question about menstrual hygiene policy in the Rajya Sabha, Irani emphasized that menstruation is a natural part of women's life journey and should not lead to the denial of equal opportunities.

In a separate statement to the Lok Sabha, Irani clarified that there is no ongoing consideration by the government to make paid menstrual leave mandatory for all workplaces.