Modi hits out at Oppn, Nitish comments on campaign trail

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the latter’s controversial remarks on the role of women in population control and said the Opposition didn’t respect women, as the political row over the comments intensified on Wednesday.

- Ranjan

Modi’s comments came hours after Kumar apologised for the remarks, made in the discussion on Bihar’s caste survey in the assembly, and said his intention was to highlight the role of women’s literacy in population control. Bihar’s assembly was rocked by protests by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmakers even as members of the ruling grand alliance defended Kumar.

In Madhya Pradesh’s Guna district, Modi called the remarks shameful without naming Kumar, one of the key architects of the 28-party Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

“Yesterday, one of the INDI alliance’s big leaders who is holding the bloc’s flag high and playing different games to unseat the present government (at the Centre) used a language, which no one can even think of in a state assembly in the presence of mothers and sisters... he didn’t even feel ashamed of it,” said Modi.

The PM used the comments to attack the Opposition.

“Those having such a vision, how can they keep your honour and respect? How low will they stoop? What an unfortunate situation for the country. I will do whatever I can to ensure your honour and respect,” Modi said.

“He (Kumar) does not have shame. Not only this, no leader of INDI alliance uttered a word despite such big disrespect for women... Those who have such a view against mothers and sisters, can they do any good?” he asked.

The row began on Tuesday afternoon as Kumar was addressing the assembly over the detailed caste survey that had been tabled in the House. But his controversial description of how improved literacy among women helped in population control and restraining husbands sparked a storm of condemnation. The BJP and the National Commission for Women criticised the comments, even as his ally and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav defended him, saying his intent was to laud women.