Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra unit president Abu Asim Azmi on Tuesday stirred up a hornets’ nest, by blaming the “scanty-dress” worn by women for the much-discussed Bengaluru molestation incident.
Coming out in support of Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara whose “insensitive” comments have sparked public uproar across the country, Azmi said: “Hang all those who are accused of rape. But at the same time, I would like to say that girls should also take precautions...What has happened in Bengaluru is unfortunate. But what he (Parameshwara) said is a harsh reality”.
In a comment that earned him wide-spread social media. Azmi said: “You have to keep petrol away from fire. And if there is sugar, ants will come automatically to it”.
Maintaining that he would stand by his views irrespective of criticism, Azmi said: “In today's world, the more she is scantily dressed, the more she is considered modern and educated. Such trend is increasing. Western culture is a black spot on country's culture and it should be stopped. If anything, we need to focus on out famous Indian culture”
“If my sister or women from the family are going outside home after sunset with a boy to celebrate New Year, it cannot be expected that people will behave with her in a respectable manner. I am sure several people would be disappointed with my remarks but I don't care. What I am saying is that no police force in the world can stop such incidents (fully). ladies need to be properly dressed,” the Maharashtra SP unit chief added.