BJP legislators hit out at Congress, RJD for silence over Purnia MP’s remarks

Patna: BJP legislators Shreyasi Singh, Maithili Thakur, Anamika Singh Patel and Sangeeta Kumari on Wednesday lashed out at Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan aka Pappu Yadav for his derogatory remarks on women politicians in the country.

They sought an unconditional apology from Pappu.They also targeted RJD and Congress for keeping mum despite the fact that the independent MP’s wife, Ranjeet Ranjan, is an MP of the grand old party.Addressing a joint press conference at BJP office here, Jamui MLA Shreyasi questioned Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Vadra, “as to whether they stand with their political associate. RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav should also explain whether he, too, stands with the Purnia MP”.Shreyasi said Pappu’s wife has herself represented the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. “In the future, if his own daughter were to enter a professional field, he would make similar comments regarding that field as well. Women make their mark in any sphere solely through the strength of their own struggles,” she said.Maithili, a noted folk singer and a first-time MLA, said any woman who achieves success in any field does so through struggle.

“In such a context, if someone makes derogatory remarks regarding a specific profession, just imagine the emotional toll it takes on that young woman’s parents,” she said.Maithili said by making such comments, the Purnia MP has not only cast aspersions upon women but upon men as well. “The women currently active in politics are deeply hurt by these remarks. I urge him to offer a public apology,” she said.MLA Sangeeta Kumari described Pappu’s statement as an assault on the self-respect, dignity, and honour of women.

She pointed out that Pappu’s wife is herself an MP. “India is a land where women are revered. How, then, did Pappu dare to make such remarks?” she asked.Anamika Singh Patel, MLC, said Pappu’s statement reflects his mindset, character, thinking, ideology, and also that of the political party under whose patronage he operates.In a separate statement, BJP ally and HAM(S) national president Santosh Kumar Suman reacted sharply. Suman said it reveals the true face of the opposition’s mindset and reflects their disdain for women. “It is shameful that, instead of offering an apology for such statements, attempts are made to justify them. This is the very same opposition that speaks of women’s dignity from public platforms, yet whose conduct in practice is entirely contrary,” the former minister said.