Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Saturday, 28 July, came in defence of Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan for his sexist remark on Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Rama Devi.
Manjhi was touring Nawada district in Bihar where he said that Khan should not resign though he should accept the demand for an apology over his remarks.
"When brother, sister meet they kiss, is it equal to sex? Mother kisses son, son kisses mother, is it sex?" Manjhi said, reported NDTV.
“Azam Khan's words are not being taken in the right spirit. I therefore hold the opinion that he need not resign but since all parties have objections he should tender an apology and be done with the matter," he said.
Azam Khan’s remarks on Thursday, 25 July, stirred a controversy, resulting in his remarks being expunged from the house records.
During the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill in Lok Sabha, Devi had asked Khan to address the chair and not to look at other members. Khan responded to this by making some sexist remarks, commenting on her looks.
Rama Devi replied saying that Khan must expunge his remarks. However, Khan attempted to clarify his comments saying, “You are very respected, you are like my sister.”
What Will Happen Next?
Azam Khan was informed on Friday to appear before Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on 29 July and tender an unconditional apology in the House, sources said.
On Friday evening, the Lok Sabha speaker's office reached out to Khan and informed him to appear before Birla on Monday they said.
According to the sources, if Khan fails to apologise, a resolution authorising the speaker to take ‘exemplary action’ against him will be passed.
Leaders across party lines were of the view that a message should be sent that the House has zero tolerance towards such acts which lower the dignity and honour of women, they added.
Who Will Move The Resolution?
The resolution is likely to be moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and is expected to be supported by leaders of all political parties.
What Did Political Leaders Say?
BJP leader Jaya Prada, who had unsuccessfully contested the general elections against Khan from Rampur, said it is not a new thing for him to make such comments about women.
Khan has an “unhealthy mindset” and one does not know what remarks he will make, the actor-turned-politician said in a statement.
"He does not know that Lok Sabha is a temple to which leaders are elected and take up people's problems. Azam Khan has insulted the House by making indecent comments," Jaya Prada said.
BSP supremo Mayawati on Friday attacked Khan for his sexist remark saying he should not only apologise in Parliament but to all women.
"The indecent language used by Azam Khan, an SP MP from Uttar Pradesh, against a woman presiding officer in Lok Sabha yesterday hurt the dignity and honour of women, and is very condemnable. For this he should not only apologise in Parliament but to all women (sic)," Mayawati said in a tweet.
Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Friday attacked the Samajwadi Party leader, alleging he derives "pleasure" after making "absurd" comments against women.
(With inputs from PTI, NDTV)
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