Won't forgive Azam Khan even if he apologizes: Rama Devi
BJP MP Rama Devi, who was at the receiving end of the sexist remark by Samajwadi Party lawmaker Azam Khan earlier this week, said she won't be able to forgive Khan even if he apologizes. Khan, known to be insulting towards women, passed condemnable comments at Rama on Thursday, when she was officiating as Lok Sabha speaker. Here are more details.
Background: Addressing the chair, Khan showed how sexist he is
During the debate on Triple Talaq Bill, Khan was asked by Rama to speak while looking at the chair and address the House through the presiding officer. Thereafter, Khan told Rama he "likes her so much, he can keep looking into her eyes". Soon, chants of "shame" erupted in the House, and Rama told Khan he shouldn't talk like this. The comments were expunged.
Rama said Khan insulted her twice
If the comments weren't shocking enough, Khan's behavior was more infuriating. He remained unapologetic even when lawmakers across party lines berated him for his words on Friday. Talking about it, Rama said that Khan insulted her twice, once by making the remarks, and again by not apologizing instantly. She said she had a befitting reply but kept shut because of the chair's dignity.
"Would have forgiven him if he apologized the same day"
"If Azam Khan had apologized for his indecent statement on the same day, I would have forgiven him. He even walked off on Thursday post making this comment - adding insult to injury," Rama told NDTV.
Khan and SP Chief won't understand my struggle, said Rama
Making a case as to why Khan shouldn't be forgiven, Rama said, "I will tell the Speaker that Azam Khan has not only embarrassed Rama Devi, but women across the country have been insulted." She will ask speaker Om Birla to give exemplary punishment to Khan. "People like Azam Khan and Akhilesh Yadav will not understand the struggle after which I have reached here," she said.
Now, Khan will either have to apologize or face action
As the demand for punishment grew louder, speaker Birla met parliamentarians on Friday to decide on action against Khan. "The Speaker will ask Azam Khan to apologize over his comments made against Rama Devi without any condition in the House. If he does not do so, the Speaker has been authorized to take action against him," said parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi.
