New Delhi: JD(U) National President Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh came to the defense of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday, who faced criticism over his remarks on the importance of women's education to control the population.
The Bihar chief minister, while emphasising the importance of education among women to control the population, put forward a vivid description in the state assembly of how an educated woman can “restrain” her husband during sexual intercourse.
In response to the controversy surrounding Kumar's statement, Singh said that Kumar's comments were not objectionable, asserting that everyone arranges marriages to continue their family lineage.
"What objectionable statement has he given? Everyone knows that one marries off their children to carry forward their lineage. So the CM had also said the same, What is the problem with this? Only those who do not get anything, look for such controversies."
JD(U) leader Leshi Singh also came in support of Bihar CM. She said that Nitish Kumar has already apologised for his statement and that the matter should not be stretched further.
"The Chief Minister (Nitish Kumar) has consistently worked towards women's development, and he has already expressed remorse for what he said yesterday. He apologised, and I believe there is no need to stretch this matter."
Meanwhile, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed Kumar for his "obscene" statement.
"What obscene language have you (Nitish Kumar) used? It's shameful to even repeat it...It is dirty thinking...Is democracy a joke? Your apology is not sincere," he told ANI.
The NCW has also demanded strong action from the Bihar assembly speaker against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
In a letter to Bihar assembly speaker Awadh Bihari Choudhary, the National Commission for Women (NCW) said it strongly condemns and protests the use of such derogatory and vulgar statements made by persons holding responsible positions which shows extreme disrespect to women.
“Therefore, in view of the above, I urge for strong action against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his said statement must be expunged from the records,” the NCW said in the letter.