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NEW DELHI: JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav on Thursday made a sexist comment on south Indian women in Rajya Sabha, leaving some male members split their sides with laughter and women parliamentarians dumbstruck.
During a debate on the government's Insurance Bill, the JD(U) president started rambling about the Indian obsession with fair skin. "Your god is dark like Ravi Shankar Prasad (present in the House), but your matrimonial ads insist on white-skinned brides," he said.
He then went on to discuss the complexion of south Indian women and said, "The women of the south are dark but they are as beautiful as their bodies...We don't see it here. They know dance." Several male members were seen bursting into laughter at his crass comment.
Yadav also mentioned filmmaker Leslee Udwin whose documentary 'India's Daughter' included an interview of one of the rapists of the December 16 gang-rape. "She must have got permissions easily because of her white skin," he said.
Yadav justified his statement by saying there was no harm in having a non-serious discussion when DMK MP Kanimozhi objected to his remark and asked him to focus on the topic of the discussion.
Sharad Yadav comments on skin, body of south Indian women in Rajya Sabha - The Times of India
Sharad Yadav continues sexist rant, tells Smriti Irani: 'I know what you are'
NEW DELHI: Under attack for his recent sexist remarks on skin color of south Indian women, JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav on Monday remained unapologetic and made a sexist ad hominem directly aimed at HRD minister Smriti Irani in Parliament.
Yadav raked up the issue in Parliament on Monday again, saying he was ready for a debate on the issue.
"What have I said ... 'saanvli' (dark complexioned) women are more in number in India, they are more in number the world over. I am ready to debate with anyone on the struggle of (Ram Manohar) Lohia and others for them," he said in the Rajya Sabha.
As Yadav explained his position on the issue, he was interrupted by both treasury and opposition members including HRD minister Smriti Irani.
"I appeal to the gentleman (Yadav) not to make comments on colour of skin of women in this manner. Very wrong message is going," she said
This infuriated Yadav, who, in turn, hit out at Irani, saying, "I know what you are." His comments stunned other leaders and Irani herself.
Earlier Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad raised the issue in the House and asked the JD(U) leader to withdraw his comments.
Prasad said: "Comments were made on south Indian women, I was also mentioned, I remained quiet. I want to keep myself away from that comment."
"I completely disagree with the comment. Ask the member to withdraw the comment," he urged the chair.
Trying to clarify, Yadav said his comments were misinterpreted: "There are more dusky women in India and in the world... I can discuss the issue with anyone, we are in favour of Indian culture."
Deputy chairman PJ Kurien said he would not allow a discussion on the issue.
"White complexion or dark complexion, it is all the same, I am not allowing a discussion on this," Kurien said.
Leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad opined that the issue should not be discussed as it will get more complicated.
Yadav, however, said he was ready to participate in a discussion.
"There has been a long struggle against discrimination based on colour... I am ready to participate in a debate any time," said Yadav.
Sharad Yadav continues sexist rant, tells Smriti Irani: 'I know what you are' - The Times of India
During a debate on the government's Insurance Bill, the JD(U) president started rambling about the Indian obsession with fair skin. "Your god is dark like Ravi Shankar Prasad (present in the House), but your matrimonial ads insist on white-skinned brides," he said.
He then went on to discuss the complexion of south Indian women and said, "The women of the south are dark but they are as beautiful as their bodies...We don't see it here. They know dance." Several male members were seen bursting into laughter at his crass comment.
Yadav also mentioned filmmaker Leslee Udwin whose documentary 'India's Daughter' included an interview of one of the rapists of the December 16 gang-rape. "She must have got permissions easily because of her white skin," he said.
Yadav justified his statement by saying there was no harm in having a non-serious discussion when DMK MP Kanimozhi objected to his remark and asked him to focus on the topic of the discussion.
Sharad Yadav comments on skin, body of south Indian women in Rajya Sabha - The Times of India
Sharad Yadav continues sexist rant, tells Smriti Irani: 'I know what you are'
NEW DELHI: Under attack for his recent sexist remarks on skin color of south Indian women, JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav on Monday remained unapologetic and made a sexist ad hominem directly aimed at HRD minister Smriti Irani in Parliament.
Yadav raked up the issue in Parliament on Monday again, saying he was ready for a debate on the issue.
"What have I said ... 'saanvli' (dark complexioned) women are more in number in India, they are more in number the world over. I am ready to debate with anyone on the struggle of (Ram Manohar) Lohia and others for them," he said in the Rajya Sabha.
As Yadav explained his position on the issue, he was interrupted by both treasury and opposition members including HRD minister Smriti Irani.
"I appeal to the gentleman (Yadav) not to make comments on colour of skin of women in this manner. Very wrong message is going," she said
This infuriated Yadav, who, in turn, hit out at Irani, saying, "I know what you are." His comments stunned other leaders and Irani herself.
Earlier Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad raised the issue in the House and asked the JD(U) leader to withdraw his comments.
Prasad said: "Comments were made on south Indian women, I was also mentioned, I remained quiet. I want to keep myself away from that comment."
"I completely disagree with the comment. Ask the member to withdraw the comment," he urged the chair.
Trying to clarify, Yadav said his comments were misinterpreted: "There are more dusky women in India and in the world... I can discuss the issue with anyone, we are in favour of Indian culture."
Deputy chairman PJ Kurien said he would not allow a discussion on the issue.
"White complexion or dark complexion, it is all the same, I am not allowing a discussion on this," Kurien said.
Leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad opined that the issue should not be discussed as it will get more complicated.
Yadav, however, said he was ready to participate in a discussion.
"There has been a long struggle against discrimination based on colour... I am ready to participate in a debate any time," said Yadav.
Sharad Yadav continues sexist rant, tells Smriti Irani: 'I know what you are' - The Times of India
