Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who had sparked a controversy by using derogatory language in the state assembly to explain the role of education and the contribution of women in population control, tendered an apology on Wednesday and withdrew his remarks after a huge political storm over his statement. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said, "I apologise and take back my words..." He also claimed that his words were misconstrued and twisted. Speaking to reporters, the Bihar Chief Minister repeated, "I apologise if my statement has hurt anyone."
#WATCH | Bihar CM Nitish Kumar says, "I apologise & I take back my words..." pic.twitter.com/wRIB1KAI8O
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2023
Reacting to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's apology, NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma said, "Yesterday's statement of Bihar CM was derogatory, we are deeply concerned with this...The way he spoke was like a C Grade movie dialogue in the Assembly in front of women and the worst was the men sitting behind him were laughing...His actions and gestures were almost like an ugly joke...The worst is this, the Speaker hasn't expunged them yet...Bihar Assembly Speaker should take steps against him, his statements must be expunged."
Not satisfied with Nitish Kumar's apology, the Opposition leaders continued to protest inside the Bihar Assembly over the Bihar CM's derogatory words and demanded his immediate resignation.
It may be noted that Nitish Kumar while speaking during the winter session of the Bihar Assembly on Tuesday made controversial remarks while underlining the need for girls' education to check population growth. The Chief Minister made the alleged derogatory remarks while referring to population control. However, his remarks drew strong condemnation from Opposition leaders.
In a video that went viral on social media platforms, the Bihar Chief Minister can be heard saying that the fertility rate, earlier at 4.3 per cent, has now dropped to 2.9 per cent per a report last year. "There hasn't been a leader more vulgar than Nitish Kumar in Indian politics. It appears that Nitish Babu is bitten by the 'adult, B-grade films' bug. There should be a ban on his double-meaning remarks. It seems he has been influenced by the company he keeps," the Bihar BJP remarked in a post on X.
Union Minister of State Ashwini Choubey joined the chorus, deeming the statement "shameful" and "worth criticising." He went further to call for the Chief Minister's resignation and a public apology, stating, "No parliamentary or assembly member has ever used such derogatory language against women. It's shameful, and he (Nitish Kumar) should resign without delay and apologise to all the citizens of the country."
Speaking on the controversy, Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav defended his boss and aid that it was wrong to misinterpret the Chief Minister's remarks as he was talking about sex education. "Let me tell you one thing. It is wrong if someone misinterprets it. The remarks of the CM were regarding sex education. People are hesitant whenever the topic of sex education is discussed. This is now taught in schools. Science and biology are taught in schools. Children learn it. He said what should be done practically to stop the increase in population. This should not be taken in a wrong manner. It should be taken as a sex education," Yadav said.
His bizarre remarks on population control in the state also drew flak from women legislators. BJP MLA Nikki Hembrom said the CM is insensitive. "Whatever he was saying he could have said it with dignity. He is insensitive and he does not respect women," Nikki said.
NCW Demands For Apology
The National Commission for Women (NCW), represented by Chairperson Rekha Sharma, demanded an immediate and unequivocal apology from CM Nitish Kumar. Sharma expressed her deep concern, saying, "His crass remarks in the Vidhan Sabha are an affront to the dignity and respect that every woman deserves. If a leader can make such comments so openly in a democracy, one can only imagine the horror the state must be enduring under his leadership."
Shadow Over Caste Census
This controversy has further fueled an already heated debate regarding quotas for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Bihar. A recent caste survey revealed that OBCs, including the extremely backward classes, make up a substantial portion of the state's population, approximately 63%. Additionally, the survey highlighted the prevalence of poverty among families in Bihar, particularly among SCs and STs.
During the legislative session, Nitish Kumar proposed an increase in quotas for OBCs, SCs, and STs in the state. This significant move is expected to be addressed with legislation during the ongoing assembly session, adding another layer of complexity to this unfolding narrative.
