A former Maharashtra minister allegedly announced a reward on Thursday for anyone who "cuts off the tongue" of BJP MLA Ram Kadam, whose "would abduct the girl a boy has liked" statement has triggered a huge controversy.
In a video of an event at Buldhana in eastern Maharashtra, Subodh Saoji, a Congress leader and a former state minister, was purportedly heard saying that Kadam's statement was unbecoming of a legislator.
"...and therefore, I am announcing a Rs 5-lakh reward for anyone who comes forward and cuts off his tongue," he purportedly said.
Saoji could not be contacted for comments.
At a "Dahi Handi" event in his assembly constituency in Mumbai on Monday night, Kadam had told youngsters that they could tell him if they liked a girl and he would "abduct" her for them even if she rejected their proposal.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has issued a notice to Kadam over his remark, seeking his reply.
However, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil said the controversy surrounding Kadam's remarks against women should end as the latter has apologised. Patil also advised public representatives saying they need to exercise caution while speaking.
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"Ram Kadam has apologised and the issue should now end. Kadam does not have a history of speaking ill about women. On the contrary, he is known for helping women immensely. Thousands of women in his constituency tie him rakhi every year," Patil told a Marathi news channel.
"Public representatives should be extremely cautious while speaking and they should properly frame every sentence in their heads before uttering them," the minister added.
He said new channels should also try to show the true meaning of what has been spoken.
"But if what the channels are saying about the remarks is right, the public representative should apologise. In this case, Ram Kadam was not arrogant and he apologised...So the matter should come to an end," Patil said.
In a video message issued Wednesday, Kadam expressed regret over his remarks saying, "I have very high regard for women. Without giving any explanation about the video clip (of his controversial remarks), I express my regret."
He also tweeted saying, "By doctoring my statements, my political rivals created an atmosphere which has hurt the sentiments of our mothers and sisters. I have already expressed regret over my comments and (I am) once again tendering an apology to all my mothers and sisters."
