BJP leader's derogatory remarks against Mayawati spark row

MAU/NEW DELHI: A senior BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh today stoked a major row by making derogatory remarks against BSP Chief Mayawati that drew severe condemnation from parties while an embarrassed BJP expressed regret but furore over the issue forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day.

"Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like...," BJP Vice President Dayashankar Singh told reporters in Mau.

"Mayawati gives tickets for Rs one crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him," Singh alleged.

"She is even worse than.... The BSP workers, who are in BSP since Kanshi Ram's days are deserting the party," said Singh, who was in Mau for the first time after becoming party vice president to meet party workers this morning.

Singh's remarks drew severe flak from members in the Rajya Sabha, including women MPs, with Deputy Chairperson P J Kurien saying that the House wants the Government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader, as per law, for his "unforgivable" comments.

There was all-round condemnation of Singh for his remarks by MPs including Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, DMK's Kanimozhi, Congress' Kumari Selja and Renuka Chowdhury, TK Rangarajan of CPI(M) and Satish Chandra Mishra of BSP and demands were made for action against him.

Leader of the House Arun Jaitley got up to offer regret on behalf of the party and said the remarks were highly condemnable.