Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal apologises for sexist remarks

NEW DELHI: Coal minister Sriprakash Jaiswal put his foot in his mouth, yet again, saying, "as time passes a wife loses her charm", sparking off angry reactions from women's organisations and political parties on Tuesday.

" Nayi nayi jeet aur nayi nayi shaadi , iska apna alag mahatva hota hai ... jaise jaise samay beetega ... jeet ki yaadein purani hoti jayegi ; jaise jaise samay beet ta hai , patni purani hoti chali jati hai , wo maza nahi rehta hai . (A new victory and a new marriage have their own importance. But as times passes, the memories of a victory go old and as time passes, a wife gets old, the same charm is not there)," he said comparing India's Sunday win over Pakistan at the World T20 to a marriage. He was addressing a cultural event in Kanpur on Monday.

As the Opposition and women's groups hauled Jaiswal over the coals, Congress sought an explanation from the minister. BJP lashed out at Congress. "We can judge the standard of Congress by this... His comments show how low Congress can sink," party spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters. Women BJP workers burnt Jaiswal's effigy. The National Commission for Women demanded an apology from the minister. "The statement is very unfortunate. We will write a letter to prime minister and high command...we demand his apology," NCW chairperson Mamta Sharma said.

Under attack, Jaiswal expressed his readiness to apologise if his remarks had hurt anyone, but tried to say that he was quoted out of context. "I was quoted out of context. However, if anyone has been offended, I apologise," he said. "I gave the comments on India's recent victory over Pakistan in the World T20. I told the organisers to stop the Kavi Sammelan and begin once the celebrations are over as after a victory gets old, there is no fun," he said. Congress tried to play down the remarks. Party spokesperson Manish Tewari said "since Mr Jaiswal has apologised, the matter should rest there".