New Delhi: Union minister Farooq Abdullah said today that he regrets stating he is “afraid of talking to women” because he is worried that he could “end up in jail.” He claimed that his remarks had been misconstrued and that he has “the greatest respect for women.
His comments were excoriated for being misogynistic and insensitive at a time when the country is grappling with sexual harassment and violence against women. Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath said reporters outside Parliament, in our constitution, both the genders have equal rights but so far, women have been living in fear. If someone thinks so, that mindset should be changed.
BJP leader Smriti Irani expressed surprise over Abdullah’s remarks and said it was “inappropriate” for a senior Minister to make a statement that indicates that “women can be hired and called upon favorably and they can be demeaned at workplace.
People should understand that it is a very sensitive issue and should not give an indication “that if women speak about her rights at work place that is a sign of danger, she said
CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said it was “irresponsible for such a senior Minister to say such a thing when the country is shocked that men in higher office use their offices to make unwelcome sexual advances.
A statement like this implies that women should not make complaints against sexual harassment and if she does, she will be unemployable and the other implication is that all these are false charges. It is highly inappropriate and he should withdraw his statement immediately.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Farooq Abdullah today kicked up a controversy saying ladies should not be hired as personal secretaries as one can land in jail if there is any complaint of sexual harassment. He later apologized for his remarks.
These days the situation is such that one is scared of talking to girls. We feel that a lady should not be hired as a secretary. God forbid, if there is some complaint we may land in jail,” the National Conference leader said reporters outside Parliament House.
Bureau Report
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