Pune: People’s Republican Party (PRP) leader Jaideep Kawade was Wednesday arrested here for allegedly making misogynistic remarks against Union minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani. Kawade was later released on bail, police said.
According to police, Kawade had made objectionable remarks against Irani while addressing an election rally in Nagpur on Monday. A video of his speech had gone viral on social media. Kawade had made the remarks in the context of Irani wearing a big ‘bindi’ on her forehead.
Shiv Sena MLA Neelam Gorhe Wednesday criticised Jaydev Kowade for the statements about Ms Irani. She said that the Election Commission of India should develop a mechanism for taking action against those who speak against the personal lives of women leaders.
She pointed out that such conditions also prevailed in Europe. She said, “If a male candidate makes such a statement, goons threaten him. And women politicians are threatened with rape. But they are coming up with legislation for the security of politicians.”
Election officer Madan Subhedar had lodged a complaint against him. An offence under IPC sections 295 (A) (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 500 (defamation), 294 (obscene acts and songs) and 171 (G) (false statement in connection with an election), was registered against Kawade at Lakadganj police station.
Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) workers had Tuesday filed a complaint with returning officer of Nagpur LS constituency against Kawade.
