Rama Devi wants strict punishment for Azam Khan, says won’t accept apology

Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Rama Devi, while speaking to NDTV said that she will never forgive Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan even if he apologises for his remarks to her in parliament. Rama Devi said to NDTV that Azam Khan insulted the chair twice - once by making the comment and second by not apologising instantly.

"When he (Azam Khan) gave this statement, I was sitting in the chair of the speaker. The chair looks where everyone is looked at equality. I respected the at everyone equally. Azam Khan was speaking directly to MPs when I asked him to address the chair. But soon after, he used words which cannot be repeated here," Rama Devi said in an exclusive interview with NDTV.

"Every man has a mother, sister, daughter and wife. Azam Khan's remark is going to hurt not only women but also the dignity of men," she said.

On Friday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met parliamentarians to decide on action against Khan. This came after several lawmakers, including ministers, expressed outrage over his comments, and demanded exemplary action.

"If Azam Khan had apologized for his indecent statement on the same day, I would have forgiven him. He even walked off on Thursday post making this comment - adding insult to injury. If he apologises and is forgiven, then I do not want to witness this in the house. I will tell the Speaker that Azam Khan has not only embarrassed Rama Devi, but women across the country have been insulted. I will tell the Speaker Om Birla that Azam Khan needs to be given such exemplary punishment that is remembered for generations to come," she said.

"People like Azam Khan and (Samajwadi Party chief) Akhilesh Yadav will not understand the struggle after which I have reached here," Rama Devi added.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday had said that Om Birla will ask SP MP Azam Khan to apologise on the floor of the House for his sexist remarks against BJP member Rama Devi.

In a meeting of floor leaders of all parties chaired by the Lok Sabha Speaker, it was decided that Khan should apologise or face action. "The Speaker will ask Azam Khan to apologise over his comments made against Rama Devi without any condition in the House. If he does not do so, the Speaker has been authorised to take action against him," Joshi said.

Several women MPs cutting across party lines have also written to the Speaker demanding stringent action against Khan. Rama Devi said he should be suspended for entire five years from Lok Sabha.

Earlier, women members in Lok Sabha on Friday spoke in one voice condemning Khan for his sexist remarks and demanded that he apologise or else he should be suspended from the House.  During Zero Hour, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani said Khan's remarks in Lok Sabha on Thursday during the debate on triple talaq bill were a "blot" on all legislators, including men.