Kadam said sorry, end row now: BJP minister

MUMBAI: Four days after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ram Kadam made objectionable remarks against women, state revenue minister Chandrakant Patil has come to his rescue.

Patil, on Friday, said, since Kadam has apologised, the matter must end now. On Tuesday, Kadam expressed regret, for his remarks, on Twitter and said he was quoted out of context.

However, Patil indirectly advised Kadam to be cautious while speaking in public, and blamed the media for blowing things out of proportion.

During a Dahi Handi event earlier this week, Kadam was seen saying in a video that he would kidnap girls to marry them off to men who they had rejected. The video was widely shared, and opposition parties have questioned BJP’S silence on the issue.

Meanwhile, on Friday, in another incident, Kadam tweeted, “Sonali Bendre, the actress who ruled Hindi and Marathi cinema and was dear to all, is no more. She died in US. Heartfelt tribute.” The tweet was deleted later and Kadam posted another tweet saying it was a rumour. “About Sonali Bendre ji, it was a rumour. I pray to God for her good health and speedy recovery.”

Kadam is already at the receiving end over his remarks at the Dahi handi function. So far, two non-cognisable complaints have been filed against him at Ghatkopar and Barshi in Solapur.

“Kadam is known for helping women in his constituency,” Patil told a Marathi news channels.

Patil said elected representatives must be careful while speaking in public. “Kadam was not arrogant and apologised for what he has said. Thus, the row should end.” Senior NCP leader and member of Parliament from Baramati, Supriya Sule, said, “The chief minister is yet to react on Kadam’s objectionable remarks. Do we then believe that BJP approves such behaviour?”

The issue was raised in the