Don't leave kitchen, learn to cook tasty daal: Anandiben Patel's advice to schoolgirls

Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has stoked a controversy by advising school girls to stay in the kitchen and cook tasty lentils even if they are doing good at studies. 

Her remarks invited mocking reaction from social media users who called out her "misogynistic" statement. 

Patel, who was addressing schoolgirls at in Rajgarh district of MP on Thursday, said they were doing good with everything but "do not leave the kitchen."

She was interacting with girls at the Kasturba Girls Hostel. She said 

"Betiyon achha kaam kar rahi ho, padhai bhi achha kiya hai voh bhi maine dekha, lekin kitchen mat chorna (you all are doing good in your studies. You did good with other things as well, I've seen it for myself, but don't leave the kitchen)," the former Gujarat Chief Minister told students.

Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel advises school girls in Rajgarh district, "you all are doing well in studies, but don't leave kitchen.If you know to cook tasty Daal, you'll have good bonding with Saas (mother-in-law). @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/igbT1I7uaQ

— Anuraag Singh (@anuraag_niebpl) September 28, 2018

She said she was advising so because if it will help them bond with their future mother-in-laws if they cook good food,  

"Jisko Daal achhi aati hogi na, vo Saas ke saath achcha samanvay rakh payegi (Those who will be able to cook delicious food will be able to strike a good bonding with their mother-in-laws)."

She also advised girls to not cut their hair, instead have long hair. 

Patel has often stoked controversy through her statements and has even invited criticism of opposition Congress leaders. 

Earlier in April, she was caught on camera saying BJP leaders will get votes "only when they adopt needy and malnourished children".

"Go to every village. Sit with the poor children, take them in your lap, show them affection. You have to adopt them and fulfil their needs if you want to get votes. You will not get votes just like that," Patel told BJP leaders in Satna district of the poll-bound state. 

Patel was appointed MP governor last year. She had resigned as Gujarat CM on July 31, 2016, citing the age factor after serving as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successor for over 2 years.