The angry remarks were made during a farmers' debate when Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri asked how the program could be run if time was allotted.
A few hours after his "Enjoy rape" speech sparked outrage, a congressman in Karnataka on Thursday apologized for what he called "negligence and indifference" at a regional convention. Conversely, he described it as "non-cuff speech" in his definition.
"My intention was not to humiliate, but to speak out! I will choose my words carefully from now on!" Congress MLA KR Ramesh Kumar tweeted
I would like to express my sincere apologies to everyone for the indifferent and negligent comment I made in today’s assembly about “Rape!” My intention was not trivialise or make light of the heinous crime, but an off the cuff remark! I will choose my words carefully henceforth!
— K. R. Ramesh Kumar (@KRRameshKumar1) December 16, 2021
The angry remarks were made during a farmers' debate when Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri asked how the program could be run if time was allotted.
"Whatever you decide - I will agree. What I think is that we do not enjoy this situation. I cannot control the system. What worries me about the housing business, should be covered," he asked.
In this regard, the ANC's MLA said: "There is a saying that if rape is unavoidable, lie down and enjoy it. That is exactly what you are in." Shockingly, some at the circuit assembly responded with laughter.
But later the comment was met with strong criticism. "These words are disgusting and obscene. BJP leader S Prakash commented.
At a provincial conference, the ANC leader today said, "If (my comments) hurt the feelings of women, I have no problem apologizing. I sincerely apologize."
"I'm sorry, we'm not taking you forward," said Speaker VH Kageri, ANI reported.
Deleting the party's stance, Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala wrote on Twitter, "Congress Party denies negotiating controversial and unsympathetic talks between Karnataka Council Speaker and Sr. Congress MLA in the house."
This is not the first time Mr Kumar, 72, has commented. In 2019, he likened himself to a “rape survivor”.
Speaking repeatedly on the charges against him as part of the controversial audio cassette, he said "his condition is similar to that of a rape victim, as they are also said to have been questioned many times about the incident".
Earlier this year, Karnataka Interior Minister Araga Jnanendra's response to the Mysore rape case, which led to major protests, also led to criticism. The victim of gang rape and her boyfriend should not have gone to a remote area, he said.
Criticizing the ANC over political issues, the Interior Minister went on to say, "The rape took place there (in Mysuru), but the ANC was trying to rape me, trying to rape the Minister of the Interior. They were trying to gain political gain."
The ruthless comments of election officials come as the country continues to see an increase in violence against women.
Source- NDTV
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