An offensive comment by Maharashtra's Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar against Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule has triggered a major political controversy. Terming the comment as "crass", NCP has demanded that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde drop Mr Sattar from his Cabinet.
Facing criticism, the Agriculture Minister expressed regret if his comment hurt anyone, but maintained that he did not make any remark against Ms Sule, the daughter of NCP chief Sharad Pawar.
Mr Sattar, who belongs to 'Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena', led by Chief Minister Shinde, said he did not make any remark against women. Further clarifying his stand, he added: "I didn't apologise to NCP, but to women who might have been hurt by my words."
NCP workers led by MLA Vidya Chavan held a protest-demonstration outside Mr Sattar's residence today. They also demanded that an FIR be filed against the minister for his objectionable comment against Ms Sule, NCP's Baramati MP.
An MLA from the Sillod constituency in Aurangabad district, Mr Sattar allegedly used a derogatory word referring to Ms Sule when reporters asked him about "khoke" (boxes of money) jibe, implying a purported exchange of money when the Shiv Sena faction led by Mr Shinde revolted against the party leadership headed by Uddhav Thackeray.
Reacting to the controversy, Ms Sule's husband, Sadanand Sule, tweeted: "So the mysoginistic leaders continue their tirade against Supriya and by default all women, who stand up to their macho behaviour and expose their character and abilities."
"First it was go work in the kitchen and elsewhere, & now this statement by a sitting cabinet Minister in Maharashtra tantamounts to giving her money- the conjecture is well established," the tweet added.
"Keep up the good work Supriya, more power to you and other women," he added.
Another NCP leader, Eknath Khadse, also condemned Mr Sattar's comment and said the Chief Minister should teach some manners to the Agriculture Minister.
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