Sharad Yadav doesn't have right to make 'offending' remarks on women: Smriti Irani

New Delhi: Union Human Resource and Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani on Monday criticised Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav for his alleged sexist comments, saying the latter does not have the right to make such 'offending' remarks on women.

"Sharad ji is an experienced leader but he doesn't have the right to comment on women like this in the Rajya Sabha, a place whose responsibility is to work for the safety and respect of women," said Irani.

"I am thankful to the Deputy Chairman that he accepted our request regarding this that such offending remarks on women should not be done," she added.

Meanwhile, senior politicians from the Nationalist Congress Party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and AIADMK collectively protested against Yadav's comments.

The senior parliamentarian's comments have drawn condemnation from the opposition Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, who termed it as 'appalling', 'racist' and 'misogynistic'.

Woman rights activist had also criticised the JD (U) chief's remarks, saying he should avoid making such statements, as he is a representative of the people.