Completely unfazed by the people’s fury at the “indifference” of the ruling class, particularly the politicians, President Pranab Mukherjee’s son, Mr Abhijit Mukherjee, a Congress MP, questioned the credentials of the women and students agitating over the brutal gangrape of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi.
His remarks describing the women protesters as “dented and painted” stunned the country and shocked his sister, Ms Sharmishta Mukherjee, who “apologised to the country on her brother’s behalf”.
His remarks also embarrassed the President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, who apparently pulled up his son and wanted to know “what prompted him to make such a statement”. Only a few days ago the President, while saying that “negative perception about women must end”, had told the protesters “your demands are justified”.
Women leaders and activists, ranging from CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat to former police officer Kiran Bedi, flayed him for his “sexist and perverted” remarks. Ms Karat said the remark of the President’s son “reflected his perverted mindset”. Demonstrations demanding an apology from the President’s son were held in the national capital.