Indian men had no right to call themselves 'mard' if women are feeling unsafe: Narendra Modi

CHOTA UDEPUR (GUJARAT): Saying that protection of "mothers and sisters" was a big issue before the Indian society, Gujarat Chief Minister today said here that if women were feeling insecure, the Indian men had no right to call themselves "mard" (manly).

"In the country of Sita and Savitris....protection of mothers and daughters is a big question for the Indian society," Modi said at a rally in the newly-created Chota Udepur district.

"I don't want to make a political comment. But I want to ask men why our sisters are unable to lead a peaceful life despite our presence.... (How is it)that our sisters can't stay alone at home..." Modi said, speaking at the function where he was felicitated for creation of the new district. "If this is so, we have no right to call ourselves men. We have no right to call ourselves 'mard'. We must die of shame," Modi said.

The BJP campaign committee chairman however did not refer to the recent incidents such as the Mumbai gangrape and allegations of sexual assault against controversial godman Asaram Bapu.

But he derided those who blame women for such incidents. "Some men with pervert brains blame women for such acts. It is no fault of the woman....The fault lies in the pervert minds of men. And, society has to fight against such pervert mindset," Modi said.

"Exploitation of women and daughters is a blot on the society, which it must fight. Society must get rid of this blot. We must assume a collective responsibility to get rid of this blot," Modi said.

He further said that "this country was never like this. These pervert mindsets are not what India is associated with".