New Delhi: A day after politicians cutting across party lines demanded exemplary action against Samajawadi Party MP Azam Khan for his misogynistic remarks in Parliament, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Rama Devi on Saturday said he should be suspended from the Lok Saba for five years and a mere apology from him for his remarks against her will not do.
Khan made objectionable remarks against Devi who was presiding over the proceedings in Lok Sabha on Thursday as the house was debating the Triple Talaq Bill. After an uproar and support from a majority of the parties, Khan was directed to apologise in the Lok Sabha for his remarks. "The Speaker will ask Azam Khan to apologise over his comments made against Rama Devi without any condition in the House. If he does not do so, the Speaker has been authorised to take action against him," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi had said.
"He should be given a serious punishment and suspended for five years," said Devi, who was in the Chair on Thursday when Khan made the sexist comments.
Had he tendered an apology immediately, she would have forgiven him, but instead he stormed out, she added. Now merely an apology from him will not assuage her, Devi said, adding that his comments, expunged from the record, were an insult to Parliament and all members.
Devi, who represents Sheohar constituency in Bihar, said Khan has used such language for all the women in the country. “The Chair on which I sat belongs to all. Not just me. He has used such language for all the women in the country. The people of my parliamentary constituency have reposed faith in me and elected me. I have the power to face a man like you (Khan),” Rama Devi told news agency ANI.
Khan has landed himself in controversy on several occasions after making sexist and objectionable remarks. The Election Commission of India had banned the Rampur MP during the Lok Sabha polls from campaigning for 72 hours over his misogynistic remarks against BJP candidate Jaya Prada.
(With inputs from PTI)
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