Uttar Pradesh BJP vice president Dayashankar Singh's comment comparing BSP supremo Mayawati to a sex worker has drawn criticism from several quarters.
His offensive comments included, "If someone comes with Rs 2 crore, she gives him a ticket. If somebody gives her Rs 3 crore, she cancels the tickets of the previous candidate and chooses him. Today her character is worse than that of a prostitute."
The BSP leader responded to the comment saying it was a sign of frustration at her party's rising strength in the state and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should hold a meeting with the party president and terminate him. She added, "If people come out on roads to protest against his comment, it wouldn't be her responsibility."
BJP UP party chief Keshav Maurya has apologised over his party's leader's comment, saying, "I think this is wrong and I apologise. Such words shouldn't be used."
I think this is wrong and I apologise. Such words shouldn't be used: BJP UP party chief Keshav Maurya on Dayashankar pic.twitter.com/RiPMorkwHB
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 20, 2016
He also gave an assurance of taking action against the leader if the latter doesn't apologise for his comment.
We have asked him to apologise for his remarks. If he does not apologise, we will take action: Keshav Maurya on UP BJP VP Dayashankar Singh
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 20, 2016
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also condemned the remark in Rajya Sabha saying he will "look into the matter" and the party "stands with her". "I should tell Mayawati ji that the party shares her grief over this issue, I will look into this matter, we stand with her," he said.
I should tell Mayawati ji that the party shares her grief over this issue, I will look into this matter, we stand with her: Arun Jaitley
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 20, 2016
The BSP member in Rajya Sabha demanded Dayashankar Singh's arrest and warned "if the nation faces some violence or protests over this issue it will be BJP who will be responsible".
If the nation faces some violence or protests over this issue it will be BJP who will be responsible: SC Mishra,BSP in Rajya Sabha
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 20, 2016
Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Renuka chaudhary demanded the BJP leader's arrest who spoke "with such language on the day both Houses are discussing issues on violence on Dalits".
A man speaks with such language on the day both houses are discussing issues on violence on Dalits?: Renuka Chowdhury in RS
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 20, 2016