Congress MP Claims Shivaji Image Used As Gender Sign Outside Haryana Toilet

A significant controversy has emerged in Haryana following the circulation of a video that depicts portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Maharani Padmini being utilized as gender indicators on the doors of men's and women's restrooms in a private banquet hall. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda, who labeled the act as disrespectful and an affront to the cultural legacy of these iconic figures. Hooda emphasized that such representations trivialize the historical significance of Shivaji Maharaj and Maharani Padmini, urging for accountability from the banquet hall's management. The use of revered personalities in this manner has sparked outrage among various political leaders and social activists, who argue that it undermines the respect owed to India's historical icons. This incident raises broader questions about the appropriation of cultural symbols and the need for sensitivity in public spaces, particularly in a diverse nation like India, where historical figures hold significant emotional and cultural value for many. As the issue garners attention, it highlights the ongoing discourse surrounding the representation of gender and the respect due to historical figures in contemporary society.