Why is the concept of consent seemingly so difficult to understand for some men? Or is the patriarchial Indian upbringing to be blamed for the men in power disregarding the decorum they should follow? We have ex-DGPs making derogatory comments about a rape victim’s mother. And MPs calling the wife of an opposition leader as ‘item’. Ironically in a country, where women are claimed to be worshipped as goddesses.
All this among the countless accusations of sexual misconduct raised on our leaders. One such leader decided to make matters worse for him just as he was being questioned on the same.
On Tuesday evening, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit was wrapping up a press conference at the Raj Bhavan. He was met with a barrage of questions about allegations of sexual misconduct against himself during the meet.
Just as the conference drew to a close, journalist Lakshmi Subramanian asked him a question.
Instead of giving her a reply, the governor gave her a seemingly patronising pat on the cheek.
I asked TN Governor Banwarilal Purohit a question as his press conference was ending. He decided to patronisingly – and without consent – pat me on the cheek as a reply. @TheWeekLive pic.twitter.com/i1jdd7jEU8
— Lakshmi Subramanian (@lakhinathan) April 17, 2018
His move is obviously not in keeping with the decorum of the position he holds. Not to mention the matter of invading the personal space of a woman and touching her without consent.
Lakshmi was livid about the incident and posted a series of tweets describing her frustration.
Washed my face several times. Still not able to get rid of it. So agitated and angered Mr Governor Banwarilal Purohit. It might be an act of appreciation by you and grandfatherly attitude. But to me you are wrong.
— Lakshmi Subramanian (@lakhinathan) April 17, 2018
Like she says, some may argue that it was a grandfatherly gesture and not much should be read into it. But the both of them being in a professional setting, that too questioning his alleged sexual misconducts, is most definitely not the time or place for such a gesture.
She goes on to describe the setting in which the incident took place and the uncalled and unprofessional nature of his response.
This, moments after he dismissed a barrage of questions about allegations of sexual misconduct against himself. Unprofessional behaviour – and completely uncalled for to touch a stranger without her consent, especially a woman.
— Lakshmi Subramanian (@lakhinathan) April 17, 2018
Lakshmi later tweeted an article she had written for The Week about yesterday’s events.
Here is what I have to say his excellency governor Mr Banwarilal Purohit. You are wrong according to me https://t.co/LDYiTp8ubr
— Lakshmi Subramanian (@lakhinathan) April 17, 2018
In the article which portrays her anger and agitation, she says:
“To me, Banwarilal Purohit is the governor of a state, and I am a journalist whose responsibility is to ask the right questions. I expect answers, not a pat on my cheek.”
This incident is an unacceptable behaviour from someone who is such as stature as that of a governor. The ones in power need to understand that they will no longer be allowed to get away unaccounted for their actions. Change starts at home and if we cannot expect our leaders to lead by example, what hope do we have for our nation’s future?
UPDATE:
Since the outrage, the governor has issued an apology and stated that the act was a form of appreciation for the question posed by Lakshmi. And while she has accepted his apology, she refuses to believe his contention.
Your Excellency, I have with me your letter expressing regret at what happened at the press conference in Chennai the previous day. I accept your apology, even though I am not convinced about your contention that you did it to appreciate a question I asked @TheWeekLive pic.twitter.com/JhjPOQy8UW
— Lakshmi Subramanian (@lakhinathan) April 18, 2018