Prostitute remark: Embarrassed BJP sacks Dayashankar Singh from all party posts

A senior BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday stoked a major row by making derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati.

Delhi: Dayashankar Singh was on Wednesday removed by the BJP from all party posts after his derogatory remarks against BJP chief Mayawati caused an uproar in Parliament.

"UP BJP vice president Dayashanker Singh relieved of all responsibilities with immediate effect for derogatory statement against BSP supremo Mayawati," BJP state president Keshav Prasad Maurya said.

The senior BJP leader's comments today drew severe condemnation from Opposition, while an embarrassed BJP expressed regret.

However, the furore over the issue forced adjournment of Rajya Sabha for the day.

"Mayawati is breaking the dream of Kanshi Ram into pieces. Mayawati is selling tickets like...," Singh had told reporters in Mau.

"Mayawati gives tickets for Rs one crore and if there is someone who can give Rs 2 crore than she sells it for Rs 2 crore within an hour. If someone is ready to give Rs 3 crore by the evening, she gives the ticket to him," Singh had alleged.

"She is even worse than.... The BSP workers, who are in BSP since Kanshi Ram's days are deserting the party," Singh had told party workers.

Singh's remarks drew severe flak from members in the Rajya Sabha, including women MPs, with Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien saying that the House wants the Government to ensure that stringent action is taken against the BJP leader, as per law, for his "unforgivable" comments.

There was all-round condemnation of Singh for his remarks by MPs including Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, DMK's Kanimozhi, Congress' Kumari Selja and Renuka Chowdhury, TK Rangarajan of CPI(M) and Satish Chandra Mishra of BSP and demands were made for action against him.

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, got up to offer regret on behalf of the party and said the remarks were highly condemnable.

"It is highly condemnable that a political leader uses such words against a prominent woman leaders. I regret the use of such words and will ensure that the matter is taken up by the concerned. I personally express regret to Mayawatiji and we are with you on the issue of protecting dignity," Jaitley said.

A visibly agitated Mayawati, who was present in the House, thanked Jaitley and all other members for their condemnation of Singh's remarks but demanded that BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah discuss the matter, expel Singh from the party and take action against him.

She maintained that mere expression of regret will not suffice and added, "His (Singh's) remarks apply for his sister and daughter and not for me. The whole country will not forgive BJP... People will come on the streets." 

"I did not marry and considered the entire country's oppressed as my family. I have always followed my mentor Kanshi Ram's advice to take (donation) from the underprivileged and not industrialists," she said, adding that the BJP was perturbed by the huge support her party was getting in UP.

(With PTI inputs)