New Delhi: Political storm over Kamal Nath’s insulting remarks against Madhya Pradesh minister Imarti Devi continues unabated with Opposition tearing into the Congress leader and demanding his sacking for the outrageous remark.
Rahul Gandhi also rebuked the senior Congress leader, saying that he doesn’t endorse the type of language used by him.
However, the Congress veteran refused to apologise for the same, brushing aside criticism by Rahul as ‘his opinion’.
“It is Rahul Gandhi’s opinion. I have already clarified the context in which I made that statement… Why should I apologise when I did not intend to insult anyone? If anyone felt insulted, I have already expressed regret,” Kamal Nath told media.
#WATCH It is Rahul Gandhi’s opinion. I have already clarified the context in which I made that statement… Why should I apologise when I did not intend to insult anyone? If anyone felt insulted, I have already expressed regret: Former MP CM Kamal Nath https://t.co/Io2z9b3Tiu pic.twitter.com/nfB8Eum4nH
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2020
Earlier today, Rahul Gandhi while addressing a press briefing in Wayanad condemned Nath’s remarks.
“Kamal Nath Ji is from my party but personally, I don’t like the type of language that he used…I don’t appreciate it, regardless of who he is. It is unfortunate,” said Gandhi.
#WATCH Kamal Nath ji is from my party but personally, I don’t like the type of language that he used…I don’t appreciate it, regardless of who he is. It is unfortunate: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on the former Madhya Pradesh CM’s “item” remark pic.twitter.com/VT149EjHu0
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2020
What Kamal Nath said in regret message
Earlier, MP Congress president Kamal Nath expressed regret and defended himself by claiming that the word ‘item’ is used in Lok Sabha and state assemblies but BJP tried to “mislead” by making it an issue to divert people attention while sensing defeat in the November 3 state bypolls.
“I did not say anything disrespectful. I respect women. If anyone thinks this is disrespectful, then I regret it,” Kamal Nath said.
What Kamal Nath said at poll rally
Addressing a poll meeting on Sunday in Gwalior’s Dabra town, where the BJP has fielded Imarti Devi, Kamal Nath referred to Imarti Devi as an “item”.
“Suresh Raje ji hamare ummeedvar hai…yeh uske jaise nah hai…kya hai uska naam … main kya uska naam lun? …apko toh mujhe pehle savdhan karna chahiye tha … yeh kya item hai… (Our candidate is not like her… what’s her name? You know her better and should have warned me earlier… What an item!), Kamal Nath said in Hindi while the crowd called out Imarti Devi’s name.
Suresh Raje is the Congress candidate while Imarti Devi is contesting on BJP ticket from Dabra assembly seat.
