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![Shafiqur Rahman Barq](https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x960/filters:format(webp)/shethepeople/media/post_banners/Z1bZ3kF8lOHIIKlvLcRH.jpg)
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Barq's statements come in the wake of the Union Cabinet's momentous decision to clear the proposal for raising the legal marriageable age for women in India; read here.
In what may be a long-awaited push towards changing the culture of marrying women off as soon as they enter adulthood, the bill could spotlight focus on women's education and empowerment. Read an opinion on it here.
Suggested Reading: Lie Back And Enjoy: How Dare A Politician Talk Like That About Rape!
91-year-old Barq has, however, said he will not support the bill in Parliament. If the marriageable age is increased, women will get more chances to "loaf around" and wander about, Barq told the media.
In subsequent statements after a video of his previous ones went viral, he said his "aawargi" remark was misrepresented and he never used the word. "I said that situation is not conducive."
Suggested Reading: Kashmir School Head, Who Shared Post Calling Gen Rawat ‘War Criminal’, Gets Bail: Report
The controversy surrounding Barq comes in the wake of another that finds senior Congress leader KR Ramesh Kumar of the Karnataka Assembly in its midst. On Thursday, Kumar made a deeply sexist comment in the Assembly about lying back and "enjoying" rape when it is "inevitable." What many on social media found worse was that Kumar's rape joke evoked laughter from other leaders seated in the house.
His comments were widely criticised, both by netizens and opposition leaders, many of whom have demanded swift action against Kumar. More here.
Following backlash, Kumar in an apology said, "If it hurts the sentiments of women, I’ve no problem apologising." Saying his remarks were off the cuff, Kumar claimed he would choose his words carefully in the future. Read an opinion on the incident here.