Cong leader causes furore for his ‘enjoy rape’ remark
BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: Karnataka Congress MLA K R Ramesh Kumar’s “enjoy rape if it is inevitable” remarks caused a furore on Friday, with the BJP, the National Commission for Women and some women Congress MLAs taking umbrage to the statement made on the floor of the Assembly, even as the former Speaker apologised for the comment. The BJP in New Delhi targeted top Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over their party colleague’s controversial remarks, questioning their silence on the matter.
During an Assembly debate on floods and related damages in the Karnataka Assembly on Thursday, many MLAs wanted to highlight the plight of people in their constituencies and Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, laughing, had said he had to say “yes, yes” for everyone, give up controlling the situation and take the proceedings in a systematic manner and that he should tell everyone to continue their talk.
Kumar had then intervened and said, “see, there is a sayingwhen rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it. That’s exactly the position in which you are,” remarks that prompted widespread criticism against him.
On Friday, Kumar told the House he made a statement which people found outrageous.
“However, my intention was never to demean the prestige of this House or behave in an inferior way. I will not defend myself. I tender my sincere apology for my utterance during the proceedings of the House if it has hurt people from any part of the country,” he said. He also apologised to the Speaker for his statement, who, in return, accepted it.
However, several leaders, including those from the Congress, condemned the remarks. Congress’ Khanapur MLA Anjali Nimbalkar tweeted saying “the House shall apologise to entire womanhood, every mother, sister & daughter of this nation for such an obnoxious & shameless behaviour.”
Union Minister Smriti Irani told Lok Sabha: “If you truly believe in the cause of women, first stand here and denounce that legislator. Those men who stand in this Well today, go back to your political organisation and first bring to justice such a man, then we will see who speaks for women and children in this country.”