Telangana: KTR Appears Before Women's Commission After 'Bus-Dance' Remark, Reiterated Apology Amid Protest

Speaking on the Congress government's scheme, KTR earlier said his party would have no objection if women took up activities like knitting while travelling in the buses.

BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) apologised at the Telangana State Women's Commission office on Saturday amid protests by Mahila Congress workers. The controversy started after KTR made an alleged derogatory comments against women travelling in free state-run buses.

Speaking on the Congress government's scheme, Rao earlier said his party would have no objection if women took up activities like knitting while travelling in the buses. Following this, Telangana Women’s Commission issued summons to Rao in response to his remarks.

On visiting Telangana Women’s Commission, KTR on Saturday as per ANI said, "Immediately after I made those remarks, I apologized, and I reiterated my apology to the Women's Commission. I sincerely expressed my regret if my words hurt anyone's sentiments. Unfortunately, some Congress workers attacked our women leaders, using the police as a shield. We came here in compliance with the law, but the actions of the Congress workers are unacceptable."

He said that he also discussed the condition of the women in their state with the Commission. However, he said, "They asked me to seek an appointment and return at a later time. I strongly condemn the attack on our women workers by Congress members. They claim that small objects like nail cutters were used against them. This is not right, and the police should take action. The Women's Commission should also take suo motu cognizance of this matter."

The Telangana State Women's Commission, while accepting KTR's apology, issued a stern warning, advising him to refrain from making any such remarks in the future. The Commission also informed him that any recurrence of such incidents could lead to further proceedings as deemed appropriate.

The protest and subsequent scuffle between BRS and Congress women workers took place outside the Women's Commission office, adding to the ongoing controversy surrounding KTR's earlier remarks.

The comments in question reportedly involved KTR making sarcastic remarks about women engaging in activities like peeling garlic and cleaning ginger on buses, implying that such activities were not the intended use of public transportation. He also made references to the chaotic nature of bus travel, comparing it unfavorably to the situation when KCR, his father and the former Chief Minister, was in power.