Sexist remarks: What exactly did Sharad Yadav say in Rajya Sabha

By Newsgram Staff Writer

JD(U) leader Shard Yadav made headlines on Monday when he reacted obstinately over his sexist comments on women's complexion, and said is ready to debate.

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad raised the issue again, asking JD(U) leader to withdraw his comments. Prasad who was silent on the comment last week, argued with the chair mentioning that he doesn't agree with the statement made and demanded withdrawal of the same.

The issue started when debating over Insurance Bill in Rajya Sabha last week, Yadav spoke on Indian's obsession on fair skin. He said, "Your God is dark like Ravi Shankar Prasad, but your matrimonial ads insist on white-skinned brides." Referring to the complexion of south Indian women he added, "The women of the south are dark but they are as beautiful as their bodies… We don't see it here. They know (how to) dance."

Yadav, trying to clarify said that his comments were misinterpreted; he meant that, "There are more dusky women in India and in the world… I can discuss the issue with anyone; we are in favour of Indian culture."

Taking an offence to Yadav's comment HRD minister Smriti Irani said that the leader should not comment on the complexion of women. "I appeal through you (chair) to the gentleman, do not make comments about the colour of any woman's skin. You (Sharad Yadav) are a senior member, a very wrong message is going to the rest of the country," she said.

Howver, Yadav was unapologetic and responded saying: "I strongly refute the allegation."
"From Gandhi to Lohia, I have all the record of what has been said about women. A lot of struggle has been done for women with dark complexion," he said.

There has been a long struggle against discrimination based on colour… I am ready to participate in a debate any time," said Yadav.