A BJP MLA in Uttar Pradesh has triggered a controversy after targeting BSP chief Mayawati with objectionable comments, saying she “lost everything” for power and comfort, and was a “blot on womankind”.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has questioned the objectionable statement reportedly made by Ms. Sadhana Singh and would formally issue a notice, seeking an explanation from her.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the reports, an NCW official said the Commission will send a notice to Ms. Sadhana Singh regarding the statement in question and seek an explanation from her.

An official notice would be sent on Monday, the official added.

Ms. Sadhana Singh was referring to the infamous VVIP guest house incident in Lucknow in 1995 when Ms. Mayawati was allegedly assaulted by Samajwadi (SP) leaders, creating a long-standing bitterness between her and the SP-led by Mulayam Singh. While formalising her alliance with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav on January 12, Ms. Mayawati said she had risen above that incident keeping in mind public interest and compared the current “polluted political atmosphere and communalism” to the one in the 1990s when her mentor Kanshiram and Mr. Akhilesh Yadav’s father Mulayam Singh came together and formed a government.

Targeting Ms. Mayawati, Ms. Sadhana Singh said that while Draupadi [Ramayana character] had vowed to seek revenge for her molestation, Ms. Mayawati, who “lost everything”, “gulped insults” for power and comfort. “She is a blot on womankind,” said the BJP MLA.

Parties slam remarks

Ms. Sadhana Singh's remarks were condemned across parties. Mr. Akhilesh Yadav said the BJP MLA’s use of objectionable language against Ms. Mayawati was “reprehensible”.

“This is a sign of BJP’s moral bankruptcy and desperation. This is also an insult to the women of the country,” Mr. Yadav tweeted.

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) vice-president Jayant Chaudhary said Ms. Sadhana Singh’s comments showed how they view the society.

“If we are not aware and don’t avenge this insult, this will become a common thing for the coming generations. This attempt to mould the country into a cruel form must be rejected,” Mr. Chaudhary tweeted.

(With inputs from PTI)