New Delhi: Pitching for transfer of Delhi police from Centre to the AAP government, former Delhi law minister Somnath Bharti again got embroiled in a controversy as he said “beautiful women” would be able to go out at midnight if AAP government takes over policing system in Delhi.
While his remark on Monday in Assembly drew flak from all political parties, his wife Lipika Mitra, who has accused Mr Bharti of abuse, took a dig at him. “I am an average looking woman, maybe that’s why I was ill treated by him. He clearly isn’t concerned about my security, but only the security of beautiful women,” she said.
Calling Mr Bharti a serial offender, CPM leader Brinda Karat said his comments at the Delhi Assembly reflected his “mentality” and quality of discussion at the house.
Officials at Delhi Assembly said the comments were expunged from the records of the Assembly late on Monday evening.
Delhi BJP chief Satish Upadhyay called the comments “hugely insulting” for women in Delhi and said they reflected AAP government’s views about women. “We condemn the comments,” he said.
Congress’ Barkha Singh, who was chief of Delhi Commission for Women until last month, said, “The comments that if Delhi Police was put under AAP government, then even the most beautiful women, wearing ornaments could safely travel in Delhi even in night, was an insult on women.” AAP spokesperson Reena Gupta said the party did not endorse Mr Bharti’s comments.
