President Pranab Mukherjee’s son Abhijit Mukherjee on Thursday found himself in the thick of a controversy over his remarks that “dented and painted” women protested against the gang-rape in New Delhi.
Calling the anti-rape agitation a nautanki (drama), he said the women protesters were good looking but did not exactly look like students.
“Students walking the streets with candles... going to discotheques... our days as students were different. These people did not look like students to me”, Mr Mukherjee told a TV channel.
He also said that the agitators had little connection with ground realities.
Mr. Mukherjee’s remarks were quickly criticised by the political opposition as well as the civil society. His sister Sharmishtha Mukherjee responded saying she was shocked by his statement.
Apologising later, Mr Mukherjee said it was not his intention to either hurt or insult women. His remarks were taken out of context. He said the agitation was justified and the protesters wanted to press for action by the Delhi government.
Mr Mukherjee said that the administration, whether in New Delhi or Kolkata, needed to be firm and quick with the prosecution in such cases so that the culprits get the message that they will face action if they commit “such a heinous crime.” A recently elected MP, Mr. Mukherjee won the by-election for Jangipur in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district with a thin margin after his father vacated it on entering the presidential race.
Sometimes I feel these Politicians are more Talibanistic than chauvinistic. I believe only such netas are morally dented and Politically Painted and lack ethics.
We have a lot of Politicians but rarely a statesman like founding fathers of our country who selflessly made our nation.
From blood we were born to Establish Liberty, Freedom and Equality.
I find this comment disturbing and racist as it comes from People who swore to protect such ideals.
Ms. Urvashi, I agree with you that Mr. A. Mukherjee’s comments smack of the puerile patriarchy in India. But then, the matriarchs seem to do no better either. Take a look at the sample below:
Ms. Mamata Bannerjee: “ Rapes happening because men and women are
interacting more freely"
Ms. Kakoli Ghosh, spokesperson of the TMC commenting on the Park Street Rape
gangrape case: “...that was not at all a rape but a mis-understanding with client...”
Ms. Sheila Dixit on the murder of journalist Soumya Vishwanathan: “...one should not be adventurous...”
I live in Europe and have advised 2 of my female colleagues planning a holiday in India NOT to travel to Incredible India. I acted upon the advice of these political matriarchs & patriarchs that in India, as a woman if you are adventurous and interact with men, there can after all be mis-understandings. Tragic ones at that for the woman concerned.
What worries me most is that he did not apologize because he thinks he was wrong.
He apologized because he thought some sections of the society got hurt.
What is the right context?
The dignitaries or the so called needs to be more cautious while expressing their thoughts. Being passive or sarcastic can jeopardize the situation.If they fails to understand the common-man, it is indeed dangerous for the endurance of democracy. There had been unrest allover the world in the recent past and it clearly indicates the public perception towards the leaders.
Isn't it funny, Girl commenting on Facebook and expressing her view is against the LAW ,saying it hurts sentiments of people in Maharashtra, like what we see in MUMBAI.
And what Mr. Mukherjee (son of Mr.President) comments on women is not against the law which is hurting sentiments and feelings of women of our nation.
How come the LAW can be different for different people?
Why such discrimination in appliance of LAW.
Sexist comment ‘dents’ President’s son - It shows the thinking of India President's son is a law maker M.P then what we can think from other. These Ministers are having Red Colour Light with full family protection with free Gas,Car,Petrol,Security,Laundary, Electricity,Air Bus, School , Food , Hospital etc-etc. Only problem is how to win election after that they are above king for 5 years.Since 65 years of Congress they are not at all interest to change judicial systems because the crimes are well known to them.
Actually these type of comments by top level politicians had led this country to make a great number of heinous crimes. Since the offenders think that they are being supported indirectly supported by the top level politicians of India. First top level politician may BECOME BY VIRTUE OF THEIR ANCESTORS. But on a public platform they should know how to speak an issue in a public arena.
Mr. Abhijit Mukherjee's remarks are absolutely disgraceful and speak volumes of his utterly shallow mindset. The protesters were mostly young boys and girls who took to the streets of Delhi on their own to express their deep resentment on the efficiency of the Police , Judiciary and the Government in handling repeated rape cases particularly in Delhi and in rest of the Country. They braved police lathi charges , teargas and water canons. Such statements coming from the mouth of a MP is most regretful and shocking. Big shame to him.
Abhijit Mukherjees' comment showed that he lacks senstivity. Public is on roads to support NIRBHAYA. They are not decked up to get publicity. His comment proves that he is not fit to be a leader as he is hardly concerned about his own people.
SHAME SHAME SHAME
TRY TO UNDERSTAND ok...Our president, the first citizen of India, who
represents India and can be a role model for people of India. His Son
said such statement, His daughter who is sister of that man was shocked by listening his statement? Now can anybody tell me what their father taught them when they were growing up? When her brother's(our president's son's) mentality is like this, how can we expect them to be Honorable? They are totally unaware of the ground truth of life. They born with Golden or platinum spoon in their mouth, they are
totally unaware of the morals and etiquettes of basic life. When our president failed to teach good etiquettes responsible speech and respect women, how can we expect him to be a good leader of our country? Its pathetic.. horrible...
Mr. Mukherjee is doubtful if the "beautiful" ladies protesting in bone-tinkling Delhi winter are aware of ground reality, but his comment proves he himself is not aware. Common people are not fools that they will start protesting without any rhyme or reason! When the government fails to deliver its duties, it compels citizens to remind the government of its primary objective, which is to provide good governance. And Indian government has failed to provide security to its citizens time and again and such gruesome incidents are the burning examples of poor governance. Ironically, although we have the freedom of speech and expression as one of our fundamental rights, but when a common person uses it, he/she ends up in jail, and the politicians can get away with mere "apology." It is the high time for some concrete action not any political drama or blame game...
After the Gang Rape of Indian Economy and now the Gang Rape of Indian Law and Order by these boys in the UPA, it is a shame that they do not like the expressions of Grief and Pain expressed by the Common Women of India ! Shame on the well fed parasites existing at the Political Helm of this country. I do feel all women are the invisible victims of this overt Gange Rape by these people in power. These are the real culprits who have Gang-Raped our beloved Bharat Mata, it is a time for action and mobilization, second war of the liberation of India has set in now. Jai Bharat Mata !
A word of advise to all those with inflated egos, "connect tongue to brain before speaking".He is another case of a useless son thrust on the unsuspecting indian public in the dynastic political order, guess we too are to blame for electing him as we do the G family and then moan about our condition and the nation on the skids.
you politicians will pay for it sooner or later , people are no more sleeping..move all
security given to stupid politicians to common people who pay the tax..
Every time something horrible happens, even from prime minister to senior ministers says "More needs to be done by administration and we need some firm and speedy action". I was wondering actually who is holding these administrative power? These guys only right? then why these statements again and again. Start doing.
This statement by law maker and scholastically well educated only
further buttresses the point that today the need for emotional/spiritual
quotients to be taught whilst as a young child.
What else is to be expected from someone who became an MP solely because
of nepotism?
The irresponsible comment by a responsible personality Mr Abhjit
Mukherjee has really created an error among the masses and irked the
feelings of the Masses . The Controversial remark against the Females
who were protesting against the Gang Rape in the Bus in the National
Capital . Really Mr Abhjit Mukherjee should apologize for his visionary
comment that has irked the Nation .
The remarks of a chauvinist; so easily dismissing of these young women
by snidely questioning their morality, respectability (though that
shouldn't matter in regards to violence against women) and reasons for
protesting.
This is an excellent example of why things won't really change for women in India; it's a patriarchal society and the men in charge really don't give a damn about women's rights, even if they do occasionally, when put in a corner and have to comment publicly, pay lip service to it.
This mentality is why we stopped travelling to India on extended
vacations, and banned our kids from making India any part of their
holiday plans. What we saw and heard from girls and women victims
decades ago were as atrocious as this horrific crime... but the
commentary of this political leader proves a tremendous amount of
ignorance still prevails at the top. Despite all the riches India has
come into, it still holds mores that align it more to the way the
Taliban treats their girls and women, than those that civilized
societies consciously aspire to. India might call itself the largest
"democracy" but it has centuries to go before becoming democratic,
with true equality and justice.
The remarks simply shows the quality of Indian politicians to the world. Ordinary Indians must join hands and put an end to corrupt and dynasty politics in India and install a government that can take India to the next Century by eradicating corruption, mockery, hooliganism and violence.
Mr.Abhijit's remark that the agitators had little connection with ground realities smacks of patronization.He proceeds to exacerbate the situation by terming the anti-rape protest as a "Nautanki"and the women protestors were good looking and did not exactly look like students.Is it his contention that only students should protest the rape and no one else is competent or allowed to protest?He seems to feel that having won his father's seat as an MP
he has laid permanent claim to a fiefdom.Such arrogance is not becoming of an MP and least of all the son of the First Citizen of the country.Some decency and decorum is expected of him but of both decency and decorum he doesn't seem to have an atom even.Ahd he should be ashamed that his sister had to to the apologizing for him.I hope that this will be published though I am sure it will not.
It is not a waste of our time to do this. Women of India are suffering by inequality and it will be a good time to review the situation.
I do not wish to get in to sexual comment of Abhijit. But I agree with
him one one thing-What is the use of conducting candle light
procession, copying western style? How does it will prevent future
incidents or taken in to records as protest? One more thing is that they
have unknowingly allowed hooligans to intrude in such a procession that
cost the life of innocent duty discharging police man.Who will light
candles for his death?
Abhijit has shown his arrogance and lack of common sense not only to the ndians but also to the world. These guys are part of the corrupt UPA regime that is fully responsible for the weak rule of law, delay in Justice and crisis.
to me this irresponsible comment gives the same impression made by hooligans who
advocate that "Girls outfit was too revealing and provocative for them that they could not resist raping." How does it matter if student came with nice dresses even for a protest. I would like to ask Mr. Mukherjee a genuine question how does he go out from his house? In Night Suite???? Common you have got something which has been earned by your father definitely not by you. So please stop commenting irresponsible comment and start acting inside the parliament so that we can have effective laws which can protect lives of common man, which has become even cheaper than a candy now a days. And courtsey to your kind of politician who have no respect for them after election.
he is just saying what he thinks and do.... Most of the politicians,
Police, Bureaucrats have same thinking line.. they are not servant of
the people they are rulers.. he should be thrown out of the system and
same treatment should be done to every like thinker... GOPAL KANDA,
JAISWAL,DIGVIJAY n the list goes on and we as the citizens knows
everything but still gives power in their hand...
When leaders are foisted on the society we can't expect any
understanding and compassion from them, which is the hallmark of a
political leader. This good for nothing fellow's qualification is that
he is the son of the President of India. Unless a politician works his
way up the ladder he cannot understand sentiments of people. God save
the country from such zombies.
Abhijeet Mukherjee seems to be ignorant about how society evolved? If Anthropology as a subject exists then it would be true to say that human were like animals and it took millions of years to turn into humans of today’s world.
Politicians of post independence era were going by walk to see voters without security cover, majority wearing traditional dresses where ever they were going, conducting meeting in open places etc. With time things have changed now a days they need modern cars, need security cover, need fancy dresses, meeting in especially designed venues.. If these are acceptable to them then what is wrong in students going to disco in today’s world given the fact that permission to open up such things must have been given under one of the law passed by our Politicians?
I think we should think about how to positively stop repeating such crime and keep our society in order rather than supporting the criminals.
The VIPs should be careful in passing comments. The reaction of the young
people was spontaneous. Moreover the present day young girls are more
assertive of their rights than those of the yesteryears. We should
acknowledge this reality. Hope this issue passes off without any further
fuss and wastage of the valuable time for all of us.
They were not students, but students' mothers, aunts, sisters, and grandmothers. Are they not justified in protesting? Will not Abhijeet protest on behalf of his sister, if she were to be raped?
What Shri Abhijeet Mukherjee has commented is nothing but plain truth. There is no reason for him to do an about turn and apologise. Students should concentrate on their studies and on becoming responsible citizens. I wonder why teachers and parents of the protesting students did not take disciplinary action on them.
I heard his first apology talk on TV-CNN-IBN. Even there he replied in an arrogant manner and his expression of apology was only from his lips and not from his heart. His answers to the reporters question were imperialistic. It appears when a man becomes a politician and an MP he becomes arrogant. It is immaterial whether he is educated, he is the president"s son and hails from a State rich in culture. If the President asks his son to resign his MP seat, it will enhance the prestige of the President. It will set high standards in politics from a person holding th e highest office of the country
What an irony in this democratic country.Politicians are free to comment but the public is not.They are arrested for posting their views,even on social networking sites.Abhijeet Mukherjee shouldn't have said this.
Desite his father's influence in Jangipur constituency of West
Bengal’s Murshidabad district, he won with a thin margin following his
father’s resignation from the Lok Sabha membership before entering the
Presidential race. Having become an MP has gone to his head. He lives
under the shadow of his father but yet want to show off as if he is
more loyal than the King. He has got his just desserts with his own
sister calling his comments as outrageous. Shame on him. He is an
insult to his father Pranab Mukherjee who has always been very decent
in Public life, who despite being in the Congress for decades, still
didn't become a sycopant to the Gandhi family because of which he did
not become Prime Minister, as Sonia Gandhi wanted a RUBBER STAMP which
she got in Dr. Manmohan Singh. Sonia Gandhi should tick off Abhi8jeet
for his comments if she really respects women in India !!!
It is time already that India´s society grow up into an equally respecting society to everyone of their inhabitants. The women´s issue has been for a long time avoided by EVERY POLITICAL PARTY. One thing is to keep the traditions and another to keep a great part on the population without equal rights.
Abhijit´s comments are just an example of how sectors of Indian society views women. Maybe he treats the female members of his family likewise. It is not his sister that should apologize for him, he should confront his deeds by himself.
It is in the blood - Jumping the Gun, talking with out thinking.
When Mrs Gandhi Sr was assassinated, first thing which came to the
mind of the unsuspecting Mr Mukharjee Sr was the Party seniority
and he thought a little loud to be heard by the Gandhi loyalists,
his loud thought " I Being the senior most will be the Next PM ".
This premature thinking had sent him on Political VANAVAS till
Rajiv lasted, and Brought back only by Shri Narasimha Rao. So Mr M
Jr think before you wink,as you may be winking at the wrong person.
Good you have a very good sis in Ms Samrishta.
Such comment is uncalled for and beyond expectation from a respectable
MP. Indian women are having high image in the world as they are having
motherly and sisterly attitude. In general Indian women are conscious
of dress code as parents from childhood take care of this. Many
foreigners also appreciated me about the Indian women-culture while I
was in some countries. This is the only country where Goddess like
'Kali', 'Durga' , 'Saraswati', 'Laxmi' are worshiped as we believe
Goddess are having 'controlling' power in any situation including
knowledge & wealth. I am great devote of Mata & like me all Indians
respect women. The rapists are criminals and few in number. They
should be handled severely and such protests are always welcome.
However, it is good to know that Shri Abhijit Mukherjee has finally
clarified his statement by mentioning, "I withdraw the particular
sentence 'dented and painted' women. I have no intention to insult any
woman". It shows he has understood his mistake.
Quite simply, this person's only claim to fame is his father. Abhijit M has revealed himself and no amount of apology, withdrawal, denial or explanation will take away the fact that he is hopelessly sexist, undemocratic and seriously deficient in either intelligence or tact.
President Pranab Mukherjee’s son Abhijit Mukherjee should think 100 times before giving such remarks on an issue on which the nation is on fire.Will he be ready to be lathicharged for promotion.How stupid his thinking is.This shows that he has no sense of what is happening in our country.Shame on his remarks.Where is the dignity of women.
I have always felt that politicians are insensitive but never realized
that they could be downright stupid, too.
Sincerely hope that the Honourable President Of the Union of India will issue a public apology in lieu of the shameful comments of his son Abhijit.
Its indeed a pity that Abhijit Mukherjee kept on defending his views even in subsequent interviews.
Shame on him...
Please Email the Editor