Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has apologised after his remarks on women's education in the state assembly triggered a massive row. "I apologise if my statement has hurt anyone," he said while speaking to the media. Nitish was speaking on population control and what women should do to help the cause when he made the controversial comments.
Meanwhile, chaos erupted in the Bihar Assembly over his remarks on Wednesday as Opposition leaders staged a protest. Kumar said, "I take back my words', adding that the leaders were supporting him on Tuesday but must have been directed to critise him today.
This comes after Kumar came under heavy criticism from all quarters for his bizarre remark on women's education in the Bihar Assembly which also drew vehement condemnation from the National Women's Commission. The women's body also demanded an apology.
Political leaders from several parties criticised the remarks made by Kumar but Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav defended him saying that the comment made by Kumar was regarding sex education. Tejashwi said, "It is wrong to misinterpret (CM's remarks). His statement was regarding sex education, which people feel shy and hesitant to talk about. Biology is taught in schools. What he meant to say was about how to control the population."
After Kumar's apology, BJP leader Sushil Modi said, "Even though he has apologised but the entire Bihar state was ashamed. How did he have the courage to make such a sexist statement?"
Women leaders have also slammed Nitish Kumar and criticised his remark. BJP leader Khushbu Sundar also questioned Congress leaders Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee askking why they were quiet on the issue. She said, "It's extremely disgraceful and appalling to see the CM of Bihar making such statements in the Assembly... What has happened to Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee? These women are quiet. This is what INDIA they are talking about. They should say that Nitish Kumar should issue an apology...It makes me shudder to think that we have these kinds of lawmakers who speak this kind of language in the Assembly."
In the wake of the controversy, chrorus also grew for the Bihar CM's resignation. BJP leader Aparna Yadav said, "First of all, being a woman, I am angry at the statement. I don't think he should have made this statement... This kind of statement by Bihar's CM is really shameful for the whole country... Now when the elections happen, Bihar people should remember what kind of people they voted for... He should resign."
Echoing the same demand, BJP leader Vijay Sinha said, "His statements are to shame women. This is the land of the Maa Janki. The whole country saw how he embarrassed women in the Assembly. CM has lost his memory... He should resign... He is no more worthy of sitting in the Assembly."