Jaya Bachchan Sparks Controversy in Parliament Over Name Usage

Veteran Bollywood actress and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan has ignited a debate in Parliament after expressing her discontent with being addressed by her husband Amitabh Bachchan's name. During a recent session, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar introduced her as "Smt Jaya Amitabh Bachchan," which is the name listed on her official nomination papers. This prompted a strong reaction from Dhankhar, who reminded her of the procedure to change her name if she wished to do so, a move that garnered applause from fellow members. Dhankhar's remarks highlighted the importance of adhering to official titles, and his response was met with approval from the Opposition, who cheered and clapped in support. Jaya Bachchan, while clarifying her pride in her husband's accomplishments, faced criticism from netizens who felt her objections were contradictory. Many took to social media to commend Dhankhar for his "befitting reply," suggesting that Jaya's stance was hypocritical. In a subsequent session, Jaya appeared to embrace her full name, introducing herself as "Main Jaya Amitabh Bachchan," which elicited laughter from Dhankhar. However, this shift did little to quell the backlash online, with users labeling her a "hypocrite" for her earlier objections. The incident has sparked discussions about identity and recognition in the political arena, particularly for women in public life.