Former CM Jitan Manjhi defends Azam Khan

Nawada (Bihar): Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Sunday defended Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan's remarks against BJP MP Rama Devi in Lok Sabha, saying they were not taken in the right spirit.

"When brothers and sisters, mothers and sons meet and plant a kiss by way of affection, the gesture is not seen as having sexual overtones. Azam Khan's words are not being taken in the right spirit," Manjhi told reporters. The Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader said Azam need not resign but should tender an apology to put an end to the matter.