BJP has expelled Madhu Mishra, the Mahila Morcha chief for six years
Highlights
- BJP expels Uttar Pradesh Mahila Morcha chief Madhu Mishra for six years
- Those ruling over you once polished your boots, Ms Mishra reportedly said
- Never made casteist comment, called for equal rights, insists Ms Mishra
The BJP's top woman leader in Uttar Pradesh has been expelled by the party for six years over a comment that has been widely seen as discriminatory and offensive.
Madhu Mishra, the chief of the state BJP women's cell, had said recently in Aligarh: "Those who are ruling over you today making use of the Constitution once polished your boots. This happened because we were divided."
As the comments drew sharp criticism, the BJP was forced to take action.
A spokesperson said the party's state president Laxmi Kant Bajpai had taken strong note of her comments and expelled her for six years.
Ms Mishra insisted that she had said nothing wrong.
"I never made any casteist comment. I didn't intend to offend anyone. I didn't name any caste. All I wanted to say is that everyone should get equal rights under the Constitution - sabka saath, sabka vikas (development for all)" she told a news channel.