Mahajan apologises for ‘sexist’ jab

CONTROVERSY OVER MIN’S DEROGATORY REMARKS AGAINST WOMEN

After facing an angry backlash from women’s rights activists and opposition parties, Girish Mahajan, Minister for Water Resources tendered an unconditional apology for his remarks suggesting that liquor brands be named after females to boost sales.

Speaking to mediapersons on Monday, Mahajan clarified, “I attended Satpuda Sugar factory function at Shahada on Sunday. Someone raised the issue of liquor not being sold. There are some five to six brands in the state which are in demand. Keeping in line with the issue I casually spoke without realisation.”

Mahajan added, “It was a remark made in jest. I had no intentions of hurting the sentiments of women. I have made several thousands of speeches till now. I have never made such a thing, never spoke anything wrong. In that speech it was never my intention.”

The minister added, “Now I have offered to tender my apology. This is an inadvertent mistake. Hence I express my apology. If anyone is hurt then I offer my apology. If someone has said that I must have by now come back to my senses, then let me tell all that I have no addiction. I do not even have tea. On the contrary I hold medical camps for treatment and with a aim to keep people away from addiction of tobacco and other addictions.”

Mahajan further stated that in his entire life so far he has never had liquor. “In every

speech of mine I have spoken about liquor ban, Gutkha ban. I reiterate that I have respect for women. I spoke in jest as plea was that liquor was not being sold. This is enough for now. I publicly apologise and

also apologise to all women.”

The minister had suggested that liquor brands be given female names in order to boost sales. The remarks had evoked widespread condemnation all over the state.

“As I was discussing the mill’s issues with the management, I came to know that liquor sales are not picking up. I visited some of the major producers of liquor brands having names such as ‘Bhingri’, ‘Bobby’ and ‘Julie’, whereas this mill's brand name is ‘Maharaja.’ how will it work. I suggest you change the name to ‘Maharani’, and see how sales shoot up. This is happening everywhere. Even (chewing) tobacco brand names are like that, for example ‘Kamal’, ‘Vimal’, ‘Suman’ and so on. - GIRISH MAHAJAN Minister for Water Resources