Uproar in Lok Sabha over SP MP Azam Khan's 'sexist' remark, Akhilesh Yadav defends him

The Lok Sabha on Thursday witnessed an uproar over Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan's 'sexist' remark on BJP MP Rama Devi, who was on the chair and officiating the proceedings at that time. While debating on the triple talaq bill, Khan courted a controversy, leading to angry reactions from Rama Devi and other members present in the House. While the BJP MP asked to expunge Khan's remark, others demanded an apology from him.

Khan, however, defended his statement on Rama Devi, saying "You are very respected, you are like my sister". Coming out in his support, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "I don't think Azam Khan ji meant any disrespect to the chair (Rama Devi). These ( BJP MPs) people are so rude, who are they to raise fingers?"

SP MP Akhilesh Yadav: I don't think Azam Khan ji meant any disrespect to the chair(Rama Devi). These( BJP MPs) people are so rude, who are they to raise fingers? pic.twitter.com/elKsz5BkEw

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2019

As Speaker Om Birla resumed the Chair, he reprimanded Khan and also asked for his apology. Birla also gave instructions to expunge the objectionable part, adding that all the members should speak keeping the dignity of the Parliament in mind.

READ | Officials may list Azam Khan as land mafia on government's 'Anti-Bhoo Mafia' portal

"It is very easy for all of you to demand 'expunge this expunge that', but why should the need to expunge arise at all? Once a remark is given, it is already in public domain. Therefore, we all should speak keeping the dignity of the Parliament in mind," Birla was quoted as saying.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla: It is very easy for all of you to demand 'expunge this expunge that', but why should the need to expunge arise at all? Once a remark is given, it is already in public domain. Therefore, we all should speak keeping the dignity of the Parliament in mind. pic.twitter.com/lrO6oVJehN

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2019

Refusing to apologise, Azam Khan said he was ready to tender his resignation if he has said anything that is unparliamentary. He later walked out of the Lok Sabha.

READ | Jaya Prada challenges SP leader Azam Khan's Lok Sabha victory from Rampur constituency

Khan, who has developed a status of being controversy's favourite child over the years, time and again raked up  political storms with his weaponry of words. In the run up to the Lok Sabha polls, the SP leader was facing criticism for his "khaki underwear" jibe at BJP leader Jaya Prada in one of his election speeches. The Election Commission of India, miffed over his inflammatory remarks at several places in Uttar Pradesh, barred him from campaigning for 72 hours and served him a show cause notice.