'Rita's remarks were insult to Dalits and Women'

Lucknow, Jul 16: The Bhahujan Samajwadi party (BSP) supremo, Mayawati who was at the receiving end of Rita Bahuguna Joshi's derogatory speech, addressed a press conference responding to the issue.

Stern-faced Mayawati questioned why Sonia Gandhi was silent on Rita's 'unparliamentary language'. She alleged that Congress president, Sonia's silence signifies that the remarks were made at her behest. Congress is backing an uncultured woman as a UPCC chief, she said.

Noting that Rita's alleged 'hate speech' has already sparked off violence, Mayawati said she does not wish to see any innocent people hurt in the clashes between the party workers. Therefore, she has requested BSP workers to not create any more violence.

Speaking for her party, she said that BSP condemns the attack on the Rita's house and that the part suspects that the arson was staged. An enquiry into the violence at UPCC's chief house has been called for.

Rita's hate speech has also insulted the Dalit community apart from the fact that the remarks were insult to women, Mayawati said.

She ended her address by appealing to the people of the nation to stay calm and not take the law into their hands and spew violence which is not required.

OneIndia News