Karnataka Congress MLA and former Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar stoked a controversy when he made an outrageous remark on rape on the floor of the House. Kumar’s comments drew sharp criticism from his own party colleagues who demanded an apology for his “when rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it” remark in the Karnataka Assembly.
On Thursday, Karnataka Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri said he was put in a hot seat as he tried to bring the Assembly under control even as MLAs continued to demand more time to speak over recent issues including flood and devastation. “I am in a situation where I have to enjoy and say ‘yes, yes’. This is what I feel. I should give up controlling the situation and take the proceedings in a systematic manner, I should tell everyone to continue your talks,” Kageri said.
Responding to this, Congress MLA KR Ramesh Kumar said,”There is a saying that when rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it. That is exactly the position which you are in.” Following this, members of the House and Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri broke into laughter, according to a report by NDTV.
Congress MLA Kumar’s controversial rape remark has drawn criticism from his own party colleagues. Congress MLA Dr Anjali Nimbalkar said the House should apologise to the entire womanhood, every mother, sister and daughter of this nation for such “obnoxious and shameless behaviour”.
“The House shall apologise to entire womanhood, every mother, sister and daughter of this nation for such an obnoxious and shameless behaviour,” Congress MLA Nimbalkar tweeted.
Congress MLA Sowmya Reddy said this is “just NOT ok” and there “needs to be an apology”
Progressive thinkers and women activists have criticised the casual approach of the leaders in the session on sensitive matter like ‘rape’.
Speaking to IANS on Friday, Center of Indian Trade Union (CITU) President Varalakshmi S. termed the remark “condemnable.”
“It is a matter of dignity and respect for the House. This example should not have been given. We did not expect such a demeaning comment from a senior leader like Ramesh Kumar. If at all he had made it inadvertently, he should gracefully withdraw it,” she demanded.
