Women's groups ask Amar Singh to say sorry

New Delhi: Some women's groups in the national capital yesterday demanded a public apology from Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh for what they called his "sexist" remarks over his meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

"It is quite shocking that a political leader can make comments in such bad taste about political relationships that involve a prominent woman leader of the country," a statement issued by six women's organisations said.

Offending comments

In an interview, Singh had used terms like "suhaag raat" (wedding night) and "balaatkar" (rape) referring to meetings between Gandhi and certain political leaders, including communist leaders.

Justifying his party's decision to join hands with the Congress after years-long bitter rivalry, Singh said in the interview: "When Prakash Karat goes to meet Sonia Gandhi, it's called 'suhaag raat', but when we go to meet Sonia Gandhi, it's called 'balaatkaar'."

Criticising the remarks, Sudha Sundararaman of the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA,) said Singh's remarks were a reflection of the lack of respect for women in public life.