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

Asked to comment on women right activists demanding his resignation, Mukherjee said, "If they are from my constituency and it is the order of my party, definitely I will do that.

100 per cent... If people from Jangipur, who voted me. If they ask me. I will do that immediately. If Congress party and High Command wants it, I will do that."

Sharmistha told reporters in Hyderabad she was surprised at the remark and demanded an apology from her brother.

"Absolutely, he needs to apologise. As a woman, as a sister, definitely on his behalf I render my apoligies to everybody, every sensitive citizen of this country," she said.

"Not only as a President's son, but as any sensitive man, he should not have made this kind of statement. Forget about being a political leader, it shows a certain degree of insensitivity... My family is not like that," she said.

On whether her father would be embarrassed with Abhijit's remarks, Sharmistha said, "I am sure he will be. I can say that he also shares my view.... One thing is for sure that he (Pranab) does not agree with his (Abhijit) views. I am sure.

He (Abhijit) has made a statement and during our personal interactions, he expressed his anguish."

Jaya Jaitley said the women will not be "cowed down" by such comments and it will only add strength to the movement.

She said the comments have revealed the true mindset of the people.

On whether he had any idea that his comment will lead to such an uproar, he said he had used "slangs" which are generally spoken without intending to hurt anyone.

"Never. When we speak generally, these slangs no body minds. I had spoken in that spirit. Not to hurt anyone. Since it has been done, it can not be undone. That is why I officially withdraw and sincerely apologise to those people," he said.

... contd.

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