Abhjit Mukherjee says Delhi gangrape protesters ‘dented-painted’ women, President asks him to apologise

Offering his "sincere apology" to the people who have been hurt by his statement, Mukherjee said, "Had I knows that this would hurt so many people in so many ways, (I) may not have commented this."

Mukherjee also apologised to his father and Sharmistha, saying their sentiments too have been hurt by his words. He said the President had also asked him what prompted him to make such a statement.

Social activist Subhasini Ali termed the remarks as "atrocious" and "insulting" to women while noted actor Sharmila Tagore called it "very sexist".

CPI-M's Brinda Karat said the remark showed Abhijit's "sickening and perverted" mentality and asserted time has come for a code of conduct in the speech and behaviour of elected representatives. BJP also condemned the remarks.

Congress spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit did not want to be drawn into a debate on the party MP's comment, saying these are all "individual remarks" and that the whole organisation cannot be "painted" for remarks of a few individuals.

Mukherjee also said women protesters go to discotheques and then join demonstrations.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan also disapproved of the remarks.

"We have to be extremely sensitive about what we say. All of us are deeply shocked and anguished," Chavan said reacting to a question about Mukherjee's remarks.

Stating that his father should not be "dragged" into any controversy over the episode, Mukherjee said, "I am an adult. I am not an under aged person. Why my father should be dragged in... I am responsible for my action."

"All stakeholders, including my father and sister, they also got embarrassed because of these utterances. Their sentiments has also been hurt. So apology to them also."

"As a father (President), he also asked me what prompted you to say that. You are in public life and definitely it will create controversy. You must apologise. I said I have already done. My intention was not to hurt anyone. Not to undermine the agitation," he said.

... contd.

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