Cutting across party lines, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress politician Renuka Chowdhury lashed out at expelled BJP leader Dayashankar Singh for passing derogatory remarks at Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and comparing her political behaviour to that of a "prostitute."
Here is how the political class reacted:
This is shameful. BJP's abuses n threats against women continue unabated both online n offline https://t.co/r31xtHxYv9 — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 20, 2016
I am personally hurt that a BJP party person used such derogatory words against Mayawati: Arun Jaitley in RS
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 20, 2016
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
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
This man has to be arrested before sun down. This has to be made an example of: Renuka Chowdhury in RS — ANI (@ANI_news) July 20, 2016
He (Dayashankar Singh) thinks we have left our homes to come here as public entertainment for these fellows: Renuka Chaudhary #CrassBJPNeta
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 20, 2016
Somebody decides we've to produce children & have no other work. Somebody will decide what else we have to do:Renuka Chaudhary #CrassBJPNeta — TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 20, 2016
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
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
BJP UP VP calling Mayawati 'worse than a prostitute' is both casteist and sexist. Book this man for his brazen... https://t.co/Vn3vYfbGvu
— Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) July 20, 2016
Shocked at the utterly disgraceful & deplorable remark on Mayawati ji by senior BJP leader. This betrays BJP's anti-dalit anti-women mindset — Ashish Khetan (@AashishKhetan) July 20, 2016
This is deplorable & some action has to be taken against this person: Kanimozhi, DMK #CrassBJPNetahttps://t.co/AViBWYxusc
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 20, 2016
Singh had apologised publicly for his remarks.
I apologise for the remark I made: UP BJP VP Dayashankar Singh who compared BSP Chief Mayawati with a sex worker https://t.co/0dFcQJwgm2
— ANI (@ANI_news) July 20, 2016
Mayawati is a big leader,I can't say such a thing about anyone.I apologize for my remark:UP BJP VP Dayashankar Singh pic.twitter.com/ozkWOrNqaP — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 20, 2016
I can't even think about Mayawatiji in such a way. She has reached here after a lot of struggle: Dayashankar Singh pic.twitter.com/knZak1lFVX
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 20, 2016
Mayawati herself said: "These kind of derogatory statements show that the BJP is frustrated with the growing public support for the BSP. BSP ki badhti hui taakat ki baukhlaahat hai ye, aur kuch nahin hai [This is nothing but their bewilderment at the BSP's increasing influence]. There are war of thoughts and ideas in the House, but never have I used derogatory words against anyone ever. The nation will not forgive BJP for this, especially with what is going in Gujarat. Dayashankar Singh should be arrested otherwise, if in response to this people get violent, it will not be on my conscience." However, Mayawati also added that she was "grateful that Arun Jaitley ji and other leaders in the House have supported me."
