The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Women Wing leader addresses backlash over remarks in Mumbra Meeting, defends educational message
Team Clarion
THANE – Ruta Ohar, President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Women Wing in Thane and wife of NCP leader Jitendra Ohar, found herself at the center of a political storm following remarks she made at a meeting in Mumbra. Her comments, which reportedly referenced both former President APJ Abdul Kalam and Osama Bin Laden, were criticised by opposition leaders, who accused her of making an inappropriate comparison between the two figures.
Addressing the controversy, Ohar clarified her statement, stating that her intention was not to compare Dr Kalam, a respected scientist and former President of India, with Osama Bin Laden. She explained that she was highlighting the difference between good and evil, using both figures as examples to encourage the audience—primarily women and young girls—to educate themselves and understand the societal influences that shape individuals.
“I said that Osama Bin Laden was not born a terrorist, he was made into one by society. On the other hand, APJ Abdul Kalam became one of the greatest scientists and the President of our country. My point was to make a distinction between good and bad, not to compare the two,” Ohar said.
The remarks were made during a women’s empowerment event organised by AMSP Foundation at Noor Bagh Hall (Shimla Park, Kosa). The event featured several speakers, including film actress Swara Bhaskar. Ohar’s comments sparked a wave of criticism, especially from BJP leaders, who accused her of equating a national hero with a ‘global terrorist’.
Ohar defended her stance, saying, “The media is misrepresenting my message. I was simply encouraging young women to read more and learn about these figures to understand the different paths individuals take in life. I did not compare the two; rather, I used them as examples of how societal factors can shap up e a person for good or bad.”
The NCP leader further emphasised that her aim was to shed light on the importance of education, particularly in an age where the consumption of information through mobile phones, social media, and television is prevalent, and the habit of reading is fading. “I urged the audience to study and learn the difference between right and wrong, but unfortunately, my words have been politicised,” she lamented.
Despite her clarification, the controversy has continued to fuel debate, with opposition parties calling for an apology. BJP spokespersons have demanded that Ohar retract her remarks, arguing that any mention of Kalam and Bin Laden in the same context is disrespectful.
However, Ohar maintained her position, reiterating that her comments were meant to encourage deeper thinking and analysis among women and girls. “The idea was to illustrate how individuals’ choices shape their legacy, whether good or bad,” she said, urging the public not to misinterpret her words.
The event, organised by social worker Marzia Ashraf (Shanu) Pathan, was aimed at guiding women and girls on various issues, including education, empowerment, and the importance of critical thinking. While the program was well-received, Ohar’s remarks have overshadowed much of the positive discourse from the day, with her explanation doing little to quell the rising political tensions surrounding her comments.
