Sharad Yadav draws criticism for ‘dark skin’ remarks

Senior Bihar politician and JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav’s comments on “dark skinned south Indian women” while participating in a debate on the Insurance bill in Rajya Sabha on Thursday has drawn criticism from activists and politicians cutting across party lines.

Senior Bihar politician and JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav’s comments on “dark skinned south Indian women” while participating in a debate on the Insurance bill in Rajya Sabha on Thursday has drawn criticism from activists and politicians cutting across party lines.

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Speaking on the floor of the house, he had said while describing the main features of the Insurance Bill, “Here people are awed by fair skin. Matrimonial ads also ask for fair skinned brides. The proposal to raise foreign investment is a symptom of this obsession.”

Despite Kanimozhi’s objection to Yadav’s comments, he continued speaking: “In the entire country there are more saanvle (dark skinned) men. The women of south are beautiful, their bodies...their skin ...We don’t see it here. They know dance.”

His comments drew flak from politicians across party lines.

Senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat said, “It’s highly objectionable... These remarks should be expunged.”

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra called the comments “appalling” and said, “He paints South Indian women in a particular way which is absolutely unacceptable.”