Amar Singh denies ''sexist'' remarks about Sonia

New Delhi, Jul 9 (UNI) Hours after some women groups demanded apology from Samajwadi Party General Secretary Amar Singh for ''sexist'' remarks against UPA chairperosn Sonia Gandhi, the SP leader denied having made any objectionable comments.

''I would never in my wildest imagination try to make any derogatory remarks against Ms Gandhi, and also CPI(M) leader Mr Prakash Karat, as reported,'' Mr Singh told UNI seeking to clarify his position.

The SP leader is reported to have said that ''When Prakash Karat goes to meet Sonia Gandhi, it's called 'suhaag raat'(wedding night), but when we go to meet Sonia Gandhi, it's called 'balaatkaar'(rape).'' ''Whatever may be the nature of politics with the Congress and the CPI(M), I hold their leaders in high esteem and would never think of making any derogatory remarks against them,'' Mr Singh said.

The charges against him had been floated to create differences among the secular forces, the SP leaders asserted.

He said though he had some problems with the Congress in the past, he had always very cordial relations with Mr Karat and his party.

''I am very cautious about making any provocative remarks against any political leaders,'' he added.

He said he held the two leaders in high esteem and would never stoop to a level to make the remarks as reported.

Sudha Sundararaman of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA,) is reported to have said Amar Singh's remarks were a reflection of the lack of respect for women in public life.

''We can all have our differences with Sonia Gandhi but to term a political meeting as a 'suhaag raat' or 'balatkaar' simply violates all norms of decency,' she said.

UNI NAZ MIR AS2100