New Delhi: The National Commission for Women on Monday sought an explanation from Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath for his sexist slur at BJP minister Imarti Devi. The commission chief wrote to Chief Election Commissioner for taking necessary action in the matter.
The NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma said that the Commission strongly condemned the irresponsible and disparaging statement made by the leader. The word used in the video was highly defamatory and showed disrespect towards the dignity of a woman, she stated.
The chairperson further noted that the current scenario demanded more women to enter politics and such disrespectful remarks against a woman leader, that too from a person holding such a responsible position was very unfortunate.
Addressing a poll meeting on Sunday in Gwalior’s Dabra town, where the BJP fielded Imarti Devi, Nath said the Congress candidate was a ‘simple person’, unlike the opponent who was an ‘item’. The video of the Congress leader Kamal Nath making mycologist and sexist rant against Minister Imarti Devi sparked off a huge controversy.
Read: Chouhan, Scindia observe silent protest against Kamal Nath's 'item' remark
Earlier today, reacting to the derogatory statement in Twitter, the NCW chief Rekha Sharma wrote, “The panel will send a notice to Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath for his “item” jibe against state minister Imarti Devi".
Sharma had said that she would write to the Election Commission over the matter. In a tweet in Sunday, the NCW chief said, “Sending Kamal Nath a notice and will be writing to @ECISVEEP”. Moreover, when asked to apologise, Kamal Nath instead justified his comment and claimed that his remark was distorted to deviate public discourse from ‘main issues’ such as joblessness. ‘
It should also be noted that Imarti Devi and 21 other MLAs loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia had resigned from the Congress and the state Assembly and joined the BJP in March which led to the fall of the Kamal Nath government.
Later, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan wrote to Congress President Sonia Gandhi to immediately remove Kamal Nath from all party posts for his “item” remark. In an official statement to Sonia Gandhi, Chouhan stated, “Immediately remove him from all party posts and strongly condemn his statement. If you fail to react, I will be compelled to believe that you support it”.
By-elections for 28 Madhya Pradesh Assembly seats would be held on November 3 and counting of votes would be held on November 10.
Also read: Congress unapologetic over Kamal Nath's 'item' remark
