BJP MLA Regrets ‘Eunuch’ Remark on Mayawati, Complaint Lodged

BJP MLA Sadhna Singh drew severe criticism for calling BSP supremo Mayawati “worse than a eunuch”.

File photo of Bahujan Samajwadi Party chief Mayawati. 

(Photo: PTI)

A Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Uttar Pradesh has drawn severe criticism from the Opposition for calling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati “worse than a eunuch”.

Later on Sunday, 20 January, Sadhna Singh, the BJP MLA from Mughalsarai, apologised for her comments on the former UP chief minister saying, “I had no intentions of disrespecting anyone, I express regret if someone was hurt by my words.”

The comments were made by the BJP MLA at a public address on Saturday, where she referred to the infamous assault on Mayawati by Samajwadi Party workers in 1995.

She also attacked the BSP chief for aligning with 'men who tried to molest her', therefore, ‘losing her self-esteem in order to come to power’, as quoted by ANI.

“She (Mayawati) has no self-respect... she was almost molested and yet... in history, when Draupadi was molested, she took a vow to seek revenge... but this woman, she lost everything, but still sold her dignity for the sake of power... She is worse than a eunuch. She is neither a man or a woman.”

Sadhna Singh, BJP MLA, as quoted by ANI

Following her remarks, the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Sunday, 20 January, said that it has taken suo motu cognisance of the objectionable statement made by the BJP MLA. It also added that the commission will be sending a notice to Singh regarding the statement in question.

‘Attack On Mayawati Is An Indicator Of BJP’s Moral Bankruptcy’: Akhilesh Yadav

Reacting to Singh’s comments, Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said the words against Mayawati are an indicator of the BJP's "moral bankruptcy and hopelessness", NDTV reported.

During an interaction with media earlier in January, Yadav had said that an insult against Mayawati is an insult against the SP.

Speaking to ANI, BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra said that the words reflect the state of BJP.

“After the announcement of this coalition (SP-BSP), BJP leaders have lost their mental balance and they should be admitted to mental hospitals in Agra and Bareilly.”

Satish Chandra Mishra, BSP leader

Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi, in a tweet, said:

“One may have differences on issues and ideas but it is disturbing: - That this lady represents the ruling party in UP-BJP (not surprising) - To hear a lady speak in such a derogatory way about another lady - To see people in the audience cheering such words.”

Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress spokesperson

Condemning her remarks, Union Minister and Republican Party of India President Ramdas Athawale told a press conference in Lucknow on Sunday that such personal comments should not be made, PTI reported.

“We condemn the obnoxious language used against <i>behen</i> Mayawatiji.”

Derek O’Brien, Trinamool Congress

Apology Follows

After her comments drew flak from Opposition leaders as well as allies, Sadhna Singh said in a statement:

“I had no such intention to hurt anyone... I regret what I said. I just shared a woman’s pain, and didn’t want to insult anyone… I just wanted to remind her (Mayawati) about the help extended by BJP leaders in 1995 to her.”

BJP MLA Sadhna Singh

Sadhna Singh apologised or her comments on the former UP chief minister in a letter.

Speaking to ANI, Sadhna Singh said:

“Meine kisi ko apmaanit karne ke liye nahi bola tha... Itna bada kaand hone key baad, gathbandhan kar ke mahila jaati ka apmaan kiya hai, itna bada haadsa hua un ke jivan main, agar meri baatein unko anyatha lagi hon toh mein khed prakat karti hu. (I didn’t say it to humiliate anyone… After such a big incident, (she) has insulted the women-folk by going for this alliance…. There was such a big incident in her life. If my comments hurt her, then I apologise.)”

Complaint Lodged

Singh's apology came immediately after a complaint was lodged against her at the Baburi Police Station by a BSP leader who sought that she be booked under the SC/ST Act.

“A complaint was received from BSP leader Ram Chandra Gautam. We have not registered an FIR yet but an investigation will be done. We will analyse the video footage of the rally and after that a decision will be taken on whether an FIR should be filed against her (Singh).”

Police officer, as quoted by PTI

Gautam said that the SP and BSP workers protested outside the Superintendent of Police’s office in Chandauli against the comments made by Singh about Mayawati, reported ANI.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI.)