Who Is Supriya Shrinate? Congress Candidate Denied Lok Sabha Ticket Amid Kangana Ranaut Row

The Congress party has opted to deny Supriya Shrinate, a prominent figure within its ranks, a Lok Sabha ticket from the Maharajganj constituency in Uttar Pradesh. This decision comes as a deviation from the status quo, considering Shrinate's previous unsuccessful bid for the same seat during the 2019 general elections. This decision comes in the wake of a turbulent controversy sparked by Shrinate's alleged derogatory remarks directed towards actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, the BJP's Mandi candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Congress party's eighth list of 14 candidates for the impending Lok Sabha elections reveals the nomination of Virendra Chaudhary, effectively supplanting Supriya Shrinate in the electoral race from Maharajganj.

The Denial Of Ticket

Supriya Shrinate, who contested from the Maharajganj constituency in the 2019 general elections under the Congress banner, found herself at the epicentre of a storm following a now-deleted social media post. The grand-old party, in its eighth list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, chose to replace Shrinate with Virendra Chaudhary for the Maharajganj segment. 

The Controversy Unfolds

The genesis of this controversy lies in an alleged derogatory social media post attributed to Supriya Shrinate directed at BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut, who is known for her transition from the film industry to politics. The remark, questioning the "going rate" in Mandi, was perceived as demeaning towards Ranaut and her constituency. This sparked a fierce backlash from the ruling party,  demanding Shrinate's removal as the Congress's social and digital media head. The Election Commission also stepped in, issuing a show-cause notice to Shrinate regarding the offensive comments.

In response to the allegations, Shrinate clarified that the post in question was made by someone with unauthorized access to her social media accounts. She vehemently denied making any personal or indecent comments towards any individual, reiterating her commitment to upholding the dignity of public discourse.

The Election Commission, responding to the uproar caused by Shrinate's remarks, issued a show-cause notice, citing potential violations of the Model Code of Conduct. The Commission deemed the comments 'undignified and in bad taste,' urging Shrinate to provide a formal response by March 29, 2024. 

Background and Political Ascent

Prior to her foray into politics, Shrinate adorned the mantle of a seasoned journalist, wielding her pen with prowess across various media platforms like ET Now and NDTV. Her tenure as Executive Editor at ET Now showcased her ability to tackle complex policy issues and conduct insightful interviews with influential figures from various sectors. Shrinate's professional journey also highlights her academic achievements, having obtained a Master's degree in history from the University of Delhi and completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Lucknow. 

The controversy surrounding Shrinate's remarks stresses the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility incumbent upon public figures to exercise restraint and decorum

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