Congress leader Gurudas Kamat was today asked by the National Commission for Women to explain within a week his alleged offensive remarks against HRD minister Smriti Irani that have invited criticism.
Speaking in Rajasthan on Thursday, Kamat had referred to Irani as a “poncha lagane waali (cleaning woman)“ while questioning the minister’s credentials to hold the charge of the education portfolio.
We have sent a showcause notice to Gurudas Kamat over his remarks about Smriti Irani. We have asked him to reply in a week’s time.
— Lalitha Kumaramangalam, Chairperson, National Commission for Women
While campaigning for local body elections in the BJP-ruled state, Kamat had claimed to have seen her cleaning tables in Mumbai, his hometown.
Her family’s financial condition was not good. Therefore, she worked in a hotel in Versova. Since, Smriti was only 10th pass, she cleaned tables in the hotel.
— Gurudas Kamat, Congress Working Committee
BJP leaders in Rajasthan had slammed Kamat’s remarks, saying such “shallow statements” reflect the desperation of the Congress.
Kamat has tweeted an explanation for his comments today.
(With inputs from PTI)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)