National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma on Tuesday said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's "item" remark for a woman leader was disgraceful and that Congress should take strict action against him.
"It is very demeaning. Later, he said that he was reading from a list. I want to ask him, on the same list, where was he standing? Which item was he? This is disgraceful for him (Kamal Nath)," Ms Sharma told news agency ANI.
She said that such a remark shows the character of the person. "Instead of saying sorry, he is giving useless explanation. His party should take strict action against him," Ms Sharma said.
Earlier, the NCW had written to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) over the "derogatory remarks" made by Kamal Nath about a woman minister, after which the Election Commission of India (ECI) had sought a detailed report from Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) over the same.
Kamal Nath had sparked controversy for referring to BJP leader Imarti Devi as an "item" at an election meeting in the Dabra assembly constituency in Gwalior district. He had later clarified that he didn't remember the leader's name and was reading from a list.
The former chief minister was addressing a campaign rally in Dabra for Congress candidate Suresh Raje. Imarti Devi is also contesting from the same constituency on a BJP ticket.
FIR Against Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Over Remarks Against BJP Leader "Crime Not Rising, More Women Are...": Panel Chief On New Central Data Women's Panel Wants Complete Ban On Unregulated Sale Of Acid In Massive Row Over Karnataka 100% Quota Bill, Chief Minister Deletes Post "I Divorce You... Your Ex-Wife": Dubai Princess Dumps Husband In Insta Post 25,000 Aspirants For Jobs Paying Rs 22,000: A Mumbai Stampede Scare How A Small-Town Kannadiga Brought India Its 1st Miss Universe Petite Crown The History Of Railway Budget And Why It Was Demerged From Union Budget Video: Rajasthan Teachers Caught Dictating Answers During Board Exams Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.