Azam Khan’s ‘sexist’ remark: House unites for action, Speaker to meet all party leaders

Following demands of apology and action over the “sexist remark” made by Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan against Bihar MP Rama Devi on Thursday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said he will hold a meeting with leaders of all parties in this regard. “I will hold a meeting with leaders of all parties and then make a decision,” Birla said Friday.

Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Nirmala Sitharaman and Ravi Shankar Prasad were among the leaders who demanded an apology from the SP leader in Lok Sabha. While Prasad demanded Khan’s suspension from the House, Irani called it a “blot” on all legislators. “Azam Khan should either apologise or he should be suspended from House,” Prasad said.

Irani said, “This is a blot on all legislators including men. We cannot remain silent spectators to it. We have to speak in one voice that this is unacceptable.”

“The entire nation watched yesterday what happened. This House passed the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Bill. I appeal to all to speak in one voice- You cannot misbehave with a woman and get away with it by just dramatizing it,” she added.