A case was filed against Firoz Khan, the Samajwadi Party leader, for allegedly making sexist remarks against actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada, who recently switched over to the BJP. The Uttar Pradesh police said that an investigation into the case has been started on Thursday.
In a video that went viral, Firoz Khan had allegedly said that Jaya Prada would "enthral" the people of Rampur, from where she is contesting, with her "ghungaroos and thumkas". In the video, he seemed to be referring to Jaya Prada saying, "Rampur ki shaamein rangeen ho jaayengi ab jab chunavi mahual chalega (Rampur''s evenings will turn colourful this election season)."
His misogynistic comment was criticized by people on social media as extremely demeaning.
Refuting the allegations, Firoz Khan today said, "My statement has been distorted...I had no intention of disrespecting women or laugh at them...she (Jaya Prada) is a celebrity, the entire country has praised her and she has also won many awards."
The SP leader claimed that he had in fact "praised" Jaya Prada. "When she goes for campaigning, people may ask her to say dialogues from her old films and she may oblige them," Firoz Khan told news agency PTI.
Taking note of Firoz Khan's remarks, the National Commission for Women issued a notice to him on Thursday and sought an explanation.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had earlier issued a statement saying, "No party worker should make indecent comments on women. The SP has always believed in respecting women."
Jaya Prada had represented Rampur twice in the Lok Sabha - in 2004 and 2009 - as a member of Akhilesh Yadav's party.
(With inputs from PTI)
Man Held For Rape Attempt In UP, BJP Claims He's Linked To Samajwadi Party UP Proposes Life Term In 'Love Jihad' Law. How BJP, Samajwadi Party Reacted "Negative Politics": Samajwadi Party Leader On UP's Ordinance On 'Love Jihad' Trump, Musk Groove To Bee Gees' 'Stayin' Alive' In AI-Video Now Viral 150 mg Semen In Kolkata Doctor's Body, Suspect Gang-Rape: Parents To Court "Want To Ask Congress...": Mamata Banerjee Snaps At Ally In Rape-Murder Case US Judge Says "Monopolist" Google Can't Avoid App Store Reforms NASA To Decide Stranded Starliner Astronauts' Route Home By End Of Month Mob Vandalises Hospital During Protest Over Kolkata Horror Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.