National Commission for Women has condemned the comment made by Samajwadi Party politician Azam Khan against politician and yesteryear actor Jaya Prada, allegedly saying that “the underwear beneath is of the khakhi colour”. The commission has taken a Suo Moto action against the politician for his derogatory remarks that it deemed as “extremely offensive, unethical and shows disrespect towards the dignity and respect of the women in general” in its official letter to Khan.
It further added, “The commission strongly condemns such irresponsible and disparaging comment from persons holding responsible position.” The commission has directed him to write an explanation to it on the incident after receiving the letter.
NCW has also written to the Election Commission and urged the officials to take strict and appropriate action.
Khan reportedly made these vulgar comments against Prada while rallying in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur constituency on Sunday. BJP’s Prada is his rival candidate contesting from the same constituency. An FIR has been registered against him for making the derogatory comments against Prada and disrespecting her modesty.
Prada, has retaliated to his comments by saying, “It isn't new for me. You might remember that I was a candidate from his party in 2009, when no one supported me after he made comments against me. I'm a woman and I can't even repeat what he said. I don't know what I did to him that he is saying such things." She further added, "He shouldn't be allowed to contest elections. Because if this man wins, what will happen to democracy? There'll be no place for women in society. Where will we go? Should I die, then you'll be satisfied? You think that I'll get scared & leave Rampur? But I won't leave."
Khan has also responded to the complaint and on the fact that his comment upsetted several people. He told ANI, “I will not contest the polls if proven guilty...I haven't named or insulted anyone and I know what I should say.” He added, “I was a nine-time MLA from Rampur and have been a minister. I know what to say.”
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Khan tried clarifying his statement and said that he made the comment in reference to a man who apparently said that he had brought “150 rifles with him” and he said that he would shoot Khan if he saw him. Khan stayed away from naming him and said, “Now, it has been revealed that he has an RSS pant on his body. Shorts are worn by men.”
“You made the person your representative for 10 years . But what is the difference between you and me. Rampur waalon , Hindustan waalon , uski asliyat samajhne main aapko 17 baras lag gaye (understanding the person's real face you took 17 years). I realised in 17 days, that the underwear beneath is of the khakhi colour,” Khan had said in a speech on Sunday.
Not a new struggle for Prada
Prada had allegedly left Rampur last week after her “indecent” images were circulated in the place and people allegedly threatened to throw acid on her.
"I told Mulayam Singhji that my indecent images are being circulated in Rampur, save me. But no politician tried to save me," Jaya Prada claimed. She broke down alleging, “I left Rampur and active politics because they tried to attack me with acid.” Later composing herself, she continued: “For the first time, I have the strength of the BJP behind me. I don't want to cry like before. I have the right to live, and I will, to serve you.”
It isn't new for me. You might remember that I was a candidate from his party in 2009, when no one supported me after he made comments against me...if this man wins, what will happen to democracy? ...Should I die, then you'll be satisfied?
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter to compare this incident with Mahabharata when the Kauravas indulged in disrobing Draupadi. “Absolutely disgraceful. Azam Khan is always abusive and disrespectful towards women. NCW will send a notice to him... will request the Election Commission to bar him from contesting elections," said the panel's chairperson Rekha Sharma.
Prada has been a former MP from Rampur constituency in 2004 and 2009 on a Samajwadi Party ticket. She left the party in 2010 after which she joined BJP last month. Rampur constituency goes to poll on April 23 along with several high profile constituencies including Moradabad, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Pilibhit, Badaun, Sambhal, Etah, Bareli and Aonla.
Picture credit- ANI/Indian Express
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