Chandigarh, August 6: A significant uproar occurred in the Punjab Assembly on Thursday regarding alleged offensive remarks against women. Following a heated exchange between the opposition and the ruling party, BJP legislator Ashwani Sharma clarified the situation. He stated that his comments were misrepresented and expressed regret if any words caused emotional distress.
In an interview with a news agency, Sharma explained that his remarks were aimed at criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) approach and mindset, claiming they blame the central government for every issue. He used a colloquial term from Punjab, which, if deemed inappropriate by any member, could be removed from the assembly proceedings. He emphasized that his party respects women, celebrating them during Navratri and considering daughters as embodiments of Lakshmi. He stated that he has no hesitation in publicly apologizing if his words offended anyone.
Sharma accused the AAP government of having a double standard towards women. He pointed out that during various protests, when police action was taken against women, the ruling party’s female legislators and the government remained silent. He cited instances such as the protests by women from the Valmiki community in Barnala, assistant professors in Bathinda, nurses, and women involved in farmer protests, where force was used, yet the issue of women’s respect was not raised.
He mentioned that on February 7, 2026, during a farmer protest in Bathinda, women faced police brutality, and similar incidents occurred on July 15 during a MGNREGA protest. The ruling party did not respond seriously to these events.
Sharma concluded that politics should not exploit the issue of women’s respect. He asserted that true respect for women is reflected not just in words but in one’s thoughts and values. He urged that political gains should not be sought in the name of sisters and women.
Leave a Comment