"I said it as a joke": Sharad Yadav on his 'sexist' comment against Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje

Bihar politician Sharad Yadav has clarified on his misogynistic comment against Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje. Mr Yadav had made an outrageous comment on Thursday while speaking during a rally in Alwar. Former union minister remarked:

"Give her some rest, she is tired and becoming fat".

Immediately after the remark was made, BJP files a complained to the Election Commission against Mr Yadav. However, Yadav has now downplayed his comment as only a "joke" which was not meant to hurt CM Vasundhara Raje.

Read: SHAMEFUL: Sharad Yadav Bodyshames Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje

"I said it as a joke. I've old relations with her. It wasn't derogatory in any way. I had no intentions of hurting her. When I met her, I told her then also that you're gaining weight," he clarified.

The Rajasthan chief minister slammed the Bihar politician for his derogatory comment.

"I am extremely shocked," Ms Raje said after casting her vote at a "pink polling booth" at Jhalawar. "It is very important that Election Commission takes notice of the remark. I feel insulted. Women are insulted," she said.

Read: DISGRACEFUL: Rajasthan Congress Leader Hurls Filthy Abuse At PM Modi In A Public Rally

This is not the first time Sharad Yadav had been caught making sexist remarks, especially towards his colleagues from the political spectrum, and even towards members of Parliament. Last year, Yadav during at an event celebrating the birth anniversary of former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur had made remarks equating women with votes. 

He had said. “Honour of vote is bigger and important than the honour of daughter. If daughter’s honour is compromised, it only affects the village or community but if the vote’s honour is compromised, it impacts the entire nation,” ANI quoted Yadav as saying.

He had also called women from southern India 'saavli' (dark-skinned) in 2015. When this was brought up during another Parliament debate by Union Minister Smriti Irani, an infuriated Yadav attacked her saying, “I know what you are.” 

As long ago as 1997, Yadav had made a sexist remark during a debate on the Women's Reservation Bill questioning “par-kati mahilayen” or short-haired women could represent women from the rural areas.

(With inputs from ANI)