Even as one Bengal politician was feeling the heat over comments made about the anti-rape protests sweeping Delhi, another, this time from the CPI(M), ran into criticism from just about every quarter, forcing him to apologise publicly on Thursday.
On Wednesday, former CPI(M) minister and a front-ranking party leader Anisur Rehman said at a rally in North Anisur Rehman Dinajpur that victims of atrocities against women in the state are unlikely to get justice as chief minister Mamata Banerjee had already put a price on rape.
"She has said that rape victims will be compensated. She is indirectly encouraging rapists. I ask, ‘What is the price of rape. How much is the CM worth'."
The comment drew sharp criticism on a day that Congress MP Abhijit Mukherjee, who is also the President's son, made disparaging comments about those participating in anti-rape protests in the capital.
Parliamentary affairs and industry minister Partha Chatterjee even filed a complaint with the Speaker of the Assembly — Rehman is a member of the House — seeking breach of privilege.
On Thursday evening, Anisur Rehman was called to the CPI(M) state headquarters in Alimuddin Street, where senior leaders censured him for his remarks. He was asked to tender an unconditional apology.
{{/usCountry}}On Thursday evening, Anisur Rehman was called to the CPI(M) state headquarters in Alimuddin Street, where senior leaders censured him for his remarks. He was asked to tender an unconditional apology.
{{/usCountry}}"I am sorry for my remarks, which were unintentional. Such things never happened in the 21 years of my stay in the Assembly and will not happen in future," said Rehman said at a press meet.