Former Karnataka Speaker's Remark On Rape In Assembly Creates Controversy

Former Karnataka Speaker and Congress leader Ramesh Kumar is no stranger to controversies. In 2019, he had likened himself to a 'rape victim' in the legislative assembly.

Former Karnataka Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar (PTI)

New Delhi: Former Karnataka Speaker and Congress leader Ramesh Kumar courted controversy on Thursday after he made a sexist remark during the Assembly session. A video of the incident has gone viral.

Ramesh Kumar made the remark after Karnataka Speaker Vishveshwara Kageri said he was unable to bring the Assembly under control as several MLAs sought time to speak on the farmers' issue.

After his efforts went in vain, the Speaker looked at Ramesh Kumar sand said, "I feel that let's enjoy the situation. I can't keep this under control and take it forward in a systematic way."

Responding to this, Ramesh Kumar said, "There is a saying. When rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it."

While no one opposed the offensive remark, the Karnataka Assembly Speaker and members of the Assembly were heard breaking out into laughter. 

Ramesh Kumar, however, is no stranger to controversies. The two-time speaker, who has also been a TV serial actor, had likened himself to a "rape victim" because he was being questioned repeatedly over leaked audio tapes.

Ramesh Kumar's name had cropped up in an audio clip between former chief minister BS Yediyurappa and other senior leaders that mentioned how he had allegedly taken a Rs 50 crore bribe. 

"My situation is like that of a rape victim. The rape happened just once. Had you left it at that, it would have passed. But when you complain of it and the accused is put in jail, his lawyers or people like Eshwarappa (referring to the BJP legislator) ask how did the rape happen? What time did it happen? How many times did it happen? At the end of the trial, the woman will say that she was raped only once in reality, but she was raped multiple times in court during cross-examination. My situation is like that," Ramesh Kumar had said in 2019.