Brinda Karat demands apology from Sharad Yadav on Raje remark

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat demanded an apology from former JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav on Friday over his personal comments on Rajasthan Chief Minister and BJP leader Vasundhara Raje's appearance.

"A senior leader like Sharad Yadav making such a derogatory comment on a woman leader, who is also a chief minister, is extremely objectionable. He should withdraw his statement and offer an apology," Karat said.

She said that despite her party being at odds with the BJP, such comments against any woman is unacceptable.

"We have a very strong political difference with the BJP and Vasundhara Raje. We have been very critical of her policies. But never such personal comment against a woman can ever be accepted", Karat said.

Yadav made the personal comments, calling Raje fat and asking people to give her rest while addressing a rally in Alwar on the last day of campaigning in Rajasthan on Wednesday.

A video of Yadav was circulated on social media, with many labelling his comments crass and misogynistic.

Calling Raje a daughter of Madhya Pradesh, he said people need to give her some rest as she was very tired. She was thin earlier and was now fat, he is heard as saying.

The Rajasthan chief minister urged the Election Commission(EC) to take cognisance of Yadav's comment on her physique.

"To set an example for future, it's important that the EC takes cognisance of this kind of language. I actually feel insulted and I think even women are insulted," Raje tweeted.

Yadav later tendered an apology from Vasundhara Raje.

"I said it as a joke. I've old relations with her. It wasn't derogatory in any way. I had no intentions of hurting her. When I met her, I told her then also that you're gaining weight", Yadav tweeted.

(With inputs from agencies.)