Sharad Yadav expresses regret over 'derogatory' remarks on Vasundhara Raje

Rebel Janata Dal (United) leader and Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) chief Sharad Yadav on Saturday expressed regret for body shaming Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Yadav said that he enjoyed old ties with the family of Rajasthan chief minister and intended to write a letter to her. "I saw her statement. I have very old family relations with her. If my words hurt her, I express my regret. I will also write a letter to her," news agency ANI quoted Yadav as saying.

Earlier during a rally in Alwar on the last day of campaigning in Rajasthan, the LJD chief had said that Vasundhara Raje needed some rest since she became “very fat” than earlier. 

“Ye Vasundhara, isko aaram do, bahut thak gayi hai. Bahut moti ho gayi hai… Pehle patli thi… Hamare Madhya Pradesh ki beti hai. Isko kaho ki aaram kare (This Vasundhara, give her some rest, she has become very tired… has become very fat… Earlier she used to be thin… She is a daughter of Madhya Pradesh. Ask her to rest),” Yadav had said.

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The remarks of the LJD chief drew criticism from both sides of the aisle. Reacting to the body shaming by a senior politician, Vasundhara Raje had said that she felt “insulted” and demanded the Election Commission to take action against him.

“To set an example for future it’s important that EC takes cognisance of this kind of language. I actually feel insulted and I think even women are insulted,” she had said.

CPI-M leader Brinda Karat had also demanded Yadav to apologise for making “derogatory” remarks against a woman leader, who is also a chief minister.

“A senior leader like Sharad Yadav making such a derogatory comment on a woman leader, who is also a chief minister, is extremely objectionable. He should withdraw his statement and offer an apology,” Karat had said.