Samajwadi Party supremo unapologetic over sexist' remarks

Lucknow, Mar 25 (ANI): Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday remained unapologetic over his alleged sexist' remarks on the Women's Reservation Bill as he once again took on women head on.

"Take a look at the wives and sisters of those who are criticising me, and you will realise why they are criticising me. I have no intention of insulting women," said Mulayam Singh Yadav, adding that he has nothing to regret.

"The Samajwadi Party has more respect for women than other parties. The party's workers have fought against the ill treatment of women," he claimed.

Mulayam Singh Yadav on Tuesday said that Parliament would be full of the sort of women who attract catcalls and whistles if the Women's Reservation Bill was passed, sparking censure from across the political spectrum.

"What can I say about the kind of women who will enter Parliament. The wives and daughters of officers and businessmen, who invite whistles from boys," said Yadav.

The Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Communist Party of India-Marxist slammed the Samajwadi Party chief for his remarks.

"If you can't respect women, don't insult them," Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi said.

While senior CPM leader Brinda Karat demanded an apology, BJP said the comment was in bad taste.

"I am astonished that a leader of the stature of Mulayam Singh Yadav could speak about women of India in this day and age. A woman is a woman, whatever her background," said BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman.

Uttar Pradesh's ruling BSP also called the comments irresponsible.

"Mulayam Singh Yadav's comment shows his decadent mindset," said state president Swami Prasad Maurya. (ANI)