Protests over Vayalar Ravi's sexist remarks, BJP asks Cong to rap him

New Delhi: There is outrage in Kerala after Union Minister Vayalar Ravi was caught on video making a personal swipe at a female reporter who wanted his reaction to Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien's alleged involvement in the Suryanelli gangrape case.

Women journalists in Kerala expressed outrage and staged protests, following which Vayalar Ravi apologised to the reporter.

The Bharatiya Janata Party demanded action against Ravi. BJP leader Smriti Irani said, "It is unfortunate that the union minister behaved this way, if this is his conduct in front of the camera, what would he do in the absence of camera?"

Women journalists in Kerala expressed outrage and staged protests, following which Vayalar Ravi apologised to the reporter.

"Personal apology holds no good, he owes an apology publicly. If you misuse your position you set a very bad example. Congress should rap Ravi for this kind of behaviour," she added.

Smriti Irani also said the Congress was setting a bad example by not acting against such acts. "I am sure the PMO is aware of this incident. I feel that by keeping quiet on this behaviour, it gives an impression that the Congress high command is okay with such behaviour," she said.

In the video, Ravi was seen asking the reporter if she has had a personal problem with Kurien. Women journalists in Kerala have expressed outrage over the incident and staged protests.

When the reporter asked Ravi for his comments, Ravi is seen saying, "Do you have anything personal against Kurien? I am sure you do. Has something happened between you and him in the past?"

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Manish Tewari reacted to the furore over Ravi's remarks saying, "The minister has retracted his remarks and this is anyway not expected out of anyone, let's leave it at that."

Also See

• Kerala: Vayalar Ravi caught on camera making personal, sexist remarks at a female reporter
• Suryanelli gangrape case: Kurien meet Sonia in Delhi

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