President’s son shocks nation with sexist remarks
28 Dec 2012 5:52 AM IST
Controversy erupted on Thursday following a controversial remark made by Abhijit Mukherjee, son of President Pranab Mukherjee, who is MP from Jangipur seat in West Bengal.
‘Those who are coming in the name of students in the rallies (in Delhi) are sundori, sundori mahila (beautiful women), highly dented and painted,’ Abhijit said. He added, ‘Giving interviews in TV and showing off their children. I wonder whether they are students at all,’ adding, ‘what’s basically happening in Delhi is something like pink revolution, which has very little connection with ground realities.’
Abhijit had said, ‘Walking in candlelight processions, going to discotheques... we have also led student life, we have been students. I well know what the character of a student should be.’
After the backlash, Abhijit’s sister Sharmishtha expressed ‘utter shock and anguish’ and apologised on his behalf. Later, Abhijit also withdrew his comments, saying they were not meant to hurt any particular section or any particular sentiment.
CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said political leaders cannot be allowed to get away with a mere apology after making such outrageous and highly condemnable remarks demeaning women and there should be a code of conduct for elected representatives.
Jaya Jaitley said women will not be cowed down by such comments and it will only add strength to the movement. BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, ‘To criticise the common people who are taking out candle light march peacefully is not fair. Congress leaders should avoid such comments.’
‘Those who are coming in the name of students in the rallies (in Delhi) are sundori, sundori mahila (beautiful women), highly dented and painted,’ Abhijit said. He added, ‘Giving interviews in TV and showing off their children. I wonder whether they are students at all,’ adding, ‘what’s basically happening in Delhi is something like pink revolution, which has very little connection with ground realities.’
Abhijit had said, ‘Walking in candlelight processions, going to discotheques... we have also led student life, we have been students. I well know what the character of a student should be.’
After the backlash, Abhijit’s sister Sharmishtha expressed ‘utter shock and anguish’ and apologised on his behalf. Later, Abhijit also withdrew his comments, saying they were not meant to hurt any particular section or any particular sentiment.
CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said political leaders cannot be allowed to get away with a mere apology after making such outrageous and highly condemnable remarks demeaning women and there should be a code of conduct for elected representatives.
Jaya Jaitley said women will not be cowed down by such comments and it will only add strength to the movement. BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said, ‘To criticise the common people who are taking out candle light march peacefully is not fair. Congress leaders should avoid such comments.’
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