'Sex toys' letter to PM raises political eyebrows in MP

Bhopal, June 20 (UNI) Leaders of Madhya Pradesh's ruling BJP and main opposition Congress expressed surprise today over Madhya Pradesh Energy Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya urging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to convene an all-party meeting against sale of ''sex toys'' in India.

As per the protocol in this regard, only Chief Ministers normally write to the premier.

''The Chief Minister was present here today and was surprised on learning of the missive,'' a senior BJP leader said.

''The issue is being blown out of proportion. Mr Vijayvargiya seems to have taken a hasty step,'' said a Congress bigwig.

In a letter to Dr Singh, the minister urged strict steps in society's interest to ban import and sale of such stuff.

''The Madhya Pradesh government has stressed on Yoga shiksha instead of the Centre's yon shiksha (sex education). There is a need to rise above partylines in this matter. Hindustan Latex Ltd, which is under the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry, recently launched the vibrating ring that is imported from China,'' he alleged.

Pointing out that a booklet advised males to use sex toys sans condoms, Mr Vijayvargiya quoted statistics saying that sex toys had an international market in the range of Rs 40,000 crore and China manufactured 70 per cent of such toys.

''Sale of such toys will lead to severe consequences in society.

This state's social workers are bound to react sharply. Sex toy manfacturers and suppliers have their eyes on the emerging Indian market. Such sale takes place openly in the national capital. The Government is turning Nelson's eye on the limits for the sake of profit,'' he added.

UNI