Lakshmi Rajwade, the Minister for Women and Child Development in Chhattisgarh, is facing a wave of online criticism after images of her planting rice seedlings while sitting on a chair in a field surfaced. The pictures sparked a range of reactions, with many users mocking the minister’s approach to farming, while others condemned her actions. Rajwade was accompanied by other women who were actively working in the field, without the use of chairs.
Responding to the backlash, Rajwade defended her actions, asserting her understanding of farming practices gained over many years. She also accused the opposition of politicizing the situation. A BJP MLA representing the Bhatgaon constituency, she is the youngest minister in the Vishnu Deo Sai government. She won the 2023 election with a substantial lead, securing over 105,000 votes.