Pune: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Ram Kadam on Wednesday faced criticism from political parties for his remark about abducting girls for spurned suitors.
There were protests across the State, and demonstrators from political parties, which included women in overwhelming numbers, censured the MLA for his callous and insensitive remarks, showering his effigy and pictures with footwear and calling for his immediate resignation.
In Pune, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar hit out at Mr. Kadam. “How can a BJP’s legislator make such shocking statements about women and their right to choose a life partner? How can anybody dare to express such sentiments in a State renowned for its progressive tradition and heritage?” The BJP is suffering from a dangerous case of political hubris, he said.
In Satara, Education Minister and senior BJP leader Vinod Tawde was gheraoed by activists from the NCP’s women’s wing during a prize distribution function on Teacher’s Day.
Mr. Tawde said, “The party has always upheld an equitable and non-discriminatory attitude towards women. If the MLA has indeed uttered such statements, he will certainly be investigated by the Home department.”
Congress MLA from Solapur City, Praniti Shinde, chastised the Fadnavis government for failing to unequivocally condemn Mr. Kadam.
“Nobody in the ruling government is speaking out against him. If this is the mentality of the leaders, what might be the disposition of the party rank-and-file towards women?” Ms. Shinde said.
The Sambhaji Brigade also demonstrated against the MLA in Pune.